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The Moonta History Centre

We have recently changed our name to the Moonta History Centre to more accurately reflect the work that we do. Let us take you on a journey of discovery to see what you can find out about the cornish origins of your family.

Visit the friendly staff at the Moonta History Centre, located in the School of Mines, Ellen Street, Moonta, South Australia, to see how we can help.

We are open:

Tues, Wed, Sat, Sun 1 PM- 4 PM or by Appointment

Phone: 08 88 251 891

Email: history@moontaheritage.com.au

What is happening

  • The Centenary of the RAAF We recognise the contributions of the RAAF and the brave early pioneers of this organisation who were instrumental in its success.
  • Yorke Peninsulas Copper Coast If you are looking for relaxation, a beautiful white sandy and safe swimming beach, a good fishing or diving spot, or a glimpse back into the heyday of our State's copper mining days, you've found the place. Why not spend some time researching your family history whilst you are here.

The History Centre

Services & Resources

Family history brings families together. It helps us to understand those around around us and within our families. See if we may be able to help you.  We can utilise our vast network of resources to pull together some comprehensive information on your family. Alternatively, you can utilise our resources to find your own history.  

Sir Richard Williams

As Australia this year celebrates 100 years of the RAAF, we recognise the significant contribution to this association by a person originating from Moonta. Sir Richard Williams was born in Moonta and went on to be considered the father of the RAAF.  Read more on his activities.  

The National Trust of SA- Moonta Branch

The National Trust of Moonta aims to preserve the mining history, buildings and artefacts of the local area, allowing future generations to appreciate the ingenuity of our Cornish ancestors. We operate under a board directed by the National Trust of South Australia, however all of our work is self funded. Visit the National Trust site.  

Acknowledgement & Thanks

Some of our photos are courtesy of the Australian War Memorial and the South Australian Museum. Acknowledgments and further references are available from our reference material at the centre.

Our Services

  • Moonta Family History Research

    Come in and utilise our research material. Alternatively we can provide you with access to skilled researchers to assist with researching your family tree in Moonta for a small fee.
  • Moonta Business & Residence History Research

    We have information on busiensses and residencs from the era.
  • Purchase of photographs, books and records from the area

    Purchase one or several of our many images, books by local authors and articles from the era

News

RAAF Centenary Celebrations at Moonta 7 November 2021

Posted on 10 Dec 2021
Preparation for the statue

Historic Wooden Grave Marker to be Preserved

Posted on 25 Oct 2021
This grave marker is one of two known Wooden Grave

The Unveiling of our Statue

Posted on 23 Oct 2021
Preparation for the statue

Testimonies

  • The direct line may not be the only approach when hunting an elusive ancestor. All aspects of obituaries should not necessarily be believed. The person who knew all the facts is dead. Other records such as censuses also have errors, as do transcriptions. As for the KNIGHT connection, I was able to trace William Knight’s parents, William KNIGHT and Caroline née WOOLCOCK, and his grandparents. His grandmother, Grace STANAWAY, was easily traced back to 1730s, but the KNIGHT family had too many James, William and John Knights to sort it out beyond the grandparents.
    Elizabeth Anne Greep


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