Resources
West Torrens Historical Society Newsletter
The Historian - The Society newsletter, first published in April 2009, containing articles and photographs relating to the history of West Torrens & Thebarton. Published April, August and December.
City of West Torrens
To search the West Torrens local history catalogue If you need further assistance searching the West Torrens Library catalogue please contact staff on 8416 6228, or for further assistance with research queries please contact the West Torrens Historical Society by email
City of West Torrens - Local history information and digitised local publications.
WEST maps Public - Information on all addresses in the City of West Torrens including allotment size, ward location, elected council representatives and Certificate of Title references (to be found on the SAILIS website). Aerial photographs of allotments (1935-2020) and area measurement tools are also available.
State Library of South Australia
SLSA Almanacs and directories - The State Library of South Australia’s collection of almanacs and directories, 1864-1973. The volumes contain the addresses and occupations of South Australian individuals and businesses and some civic information (size and population of council areas, etc.)
South Australiana - Materials in this collection date from before formal 1836 colonisation of the state, to the present day, including the Northern Territory before 1911. Many items have been donated by members of the South Australian community.
SA Memory - SA Memory is an online gateway to South Australian history, heritage and culture. This multimedia website focuses on the South Australian experience - what makes South Australia unique. SA Memory illustrates and interprets themes to highlight South Australia's people, places, issues and events from the colony's beginnings to contemporary times: South Australia's 'memory'.
Family history - The State Library of South Australia has a bounty of information to assist you to discover your family history.
National Film and Sound Archive - The State Library is the NFSA's Access Centre for South Australia. We have a small selection of NFSA collection items onsite, largely dealing with SA topics.
Digital Collections - Special collections of the State Library of South Australia.
Catalogue - Search the State Library of South Australia catalogue.
Maps - The State library has a large collection of maps online. (some relevant to West Torrens available here.)
South Australia
SAILIS - The South Australian Integrated Land Information System site allows access to Certificates of Titles showing South Australian property owners from 1857. Area measurement tools and searches of placename information, surnames and subdivision plans are also available.
MAPCO Map and Plan Collection Online - Historical images including street maps of West Torrens (1913, 1929) and early maps – ‘trigonometrical surveys’ – of Adelaide’s ‘country sections’, 1839-49. All maps may be enlarged.
The MAPCO website is a philanthropical project, designed to raise awareness and appreciation of history using old maps and photographs. The website displays many high quality historical maps and views, with an emphasis on London, U.K., and Australia. The MAPCO website is a free access site.
This site is intended primarily as a research aid for genealogical and historical researchers. The maps, prints and views on the MAPCO website are displayed free of charge for the use of students, historians and genealogists, to assist with heritage and family history research. Please also refer to terms of use.
LocationSA Map viewer - Find an address in South Australia, download a range of authoritative information related to South Australian government activities, view Roads, Satellite and Topographic Map views of South Australia.
SA Property and Planning Atlas - Find address, suburb, council, postcode, hundred, DSA etc. and access detailed reports.
SA Tramways Museum - Interactive map of historical tram routes
History Trust SA - In support of South Australia’s history network of committed volunteer associations and local history specialists, we manage a Community Museums Program and offer annual grants for research and writing to promote the value of history and our place in the world.
SA Heritage Surveys - From time to time qualified heritage consultants are engaged to survey an area. Heritage surveys can be of a local council area, of a region or can survey the whole state for places that fit a particular theme eg 20th century heritage. These surveys identify potential places of state and local heritage significance and potential historic conservation areas.
State Records of South Australia: - responsible for the collection and preservation of State and Local Government Records and some archives belonging to private individuals, churches societies and businesses. Search passenger lists, prison & railway records, house and property information. Also some almanacs prior to 1864.
Geoff Manning's South Australian History Archive
Geoffrey Haydon Manning began researching his family history during the mid-1980s. His endeavour soon blossomed into an enduring curiosity about the origin of South Australian place names. Search The Manning Index of South Australian History
Geoffrey Manning wrote on a wide range of historical topics. This website showcases his main works.
Some publications are available to download for research purposes, please take into consideration any copyright restrictions.
Betrayal of Aborigines in SA Colonial History
The Russians Are Coming! :The Defence of Colonial South Australia - 1837-1900
Memoirs of Thomas Frost 1825-1910
National Archives / National Library
National Archives of Australia
The National Archives of Australia holds the memory of our nation and keeps vital Australian Government records safe.
Visit the National Archives of Australia website
National Library of Australia
Access National Library of Australia resources to find the history of your house.
Trove
Find Australian online resources: books, images, historic newspapers, maps, music & archives
Pandora - Australia's website archives
PANDORA : Australia's Web Archive, is a growing collection of Australian online publications, established initially by the National Library of Australia in 1996, and now built in collaboration with nine other Australian libraries and cultural collecting organisations.
Family History
Family History SA
Free database and informative articles, specialising in early arrival and BMD records of South Australia's pioneers up to about 1860.
Visit the Family History SA website
Genealogy SA
Genealogy SA is the leading resource for South Australian family history information.
Visit the Genealogy SA website
War Records
Australian War Memorial
The collection contains a wealth of material to help you research and find your connection to the wartime experiences of the brave men and women who served in Australia's military forces.
Visit the Australian War Memorial website
Department of Veteran Affairs (Nominal Rolls)
Search these nominal rolls list members of Australia's defence forces who served during World War Two, Korean War, Vietnam War and First Gulf War.
Visit the Department of Veteran Affairs (Nominal Rolls) website
National Archives of Australia Discovering ANZACS
Explore a diverse selection of government records about Australians and New Zealanders in World War I and the Boer War. Enhance a profile dedicated to the wartime journey of someone who served. Uncover the personal stories of service men and women through original archival records.