If you’re in Queensland and looking for archival resources to research and locate people, the Queensland State Archives (QSA) offers a search tool known as ArchivesSearch. Accessible online, this database simplifies the process of uncovering historical records, making it especially helpful for genealogists, researchers, and anyone interested in digging into Queensland’s history.

Understand the Scope of ArchivesSearch

Before jumping into your research, it’s crucial to understand what ArchivesSearch offers:

• The QSA holds a comprehensive collection of state government records, some dating back over 150 years.
• Records include birth, death, and marriage indexes; immigration records; electoral rolls; land titles; court documents; and school records.
• Many of these records can provide critical information on individuals, particularly those who lived or worked in Queensland.

Keep in mind that ArchivesSearch primarily works with historical records—so it’s best suited for tracing individuals and their activities in the past.

Start with a Specific Name or Details

The most effective approach to locating someone is to start with as much specific information as possible. A full name is ideal, but if you have only partial details (e.g., a surname, occupation, or location), the database’s advanced search filters can help refine your results.

Understand How the Search Tool Works

The ArchivesSearch interface is user-friendly but offers plenty of depth for detailed searches.

• Navigate to the search bar on the homepage and enter keywords, such as the person’s full name, approximate date ranges, or other details (e.g., “police records” ).
• Use quotation marks for exact matches and combine keywords to narrow your search.
• The advanced search option lets you narrow results by record type (e.g., immigration or school records), date, or agency.

Search for Specific Record Types

Depending on the type of information you’re after, certain records in ArchivesSearch may be more helpful than others:

• Birth, Death, and Marriage Records – These provide baseline biographical details like names, dates, and family relationships.
• Immigration and Naturalisation Records – Great for tracking individuals who moved to Queensland from overseas or interstate.
• Electoral Rolls – Can help locate a person’s residence and voting activity at specific points in time.
• Land and Title Deeds – Useful if the person owned or leased land in Queensland.

Keep in mind that while the search engine provides results instantly, some records may need to be viewed in person at the QSA reading room in Runcorn, Brisbane. You may also need to request access.

Viewing Records

Once your search results come up, you’ll find a list of relevant records along with basic descriptions, dates, and reference numbers. Some records may be digitised and available to view online directly through the site, while others may require an in-person visit or a request for reproduction services.

To view records in person, note the reference number and make a booking with QSA to access the physical archives.

Final Tips

• Be patient with your searches. Archival research often takes time, and slight variations in spellings or dates can affect your results.
• If your search is unsuccessful, try broadening your terms or exploring related records, such as workplace or community records.