Maitland and Beyond Family History is opening its doors twice a week next month so the past can be uncovered. 

Experts will be on hand to help search for details for free to celebrate national family history month. 

“It seems to be the older people who come, they want to leave a legacy for their children,” publicity officer Vicki Osborn said. 

“It’s exciting when they find a convict in their midst.” 

Mrs Osborn said some people come in with no information, while others bring a death or marriage certificate or names and dates.

“A lot of people want to find out when their family came out here and what ship they traveled on,” she said. 

The group operate from The Barracks beside Maitland Gaol in Lindesay Street, East Maitland.

They will open every Wednesday and Saturday during August between 9.30am and 3pm.

For more information phone 4905 1878.