Finding correspondence files in Victoria’s archive
This video will help you find a single letter within a large group of correspondence files. For an introduction to correspondence files and what they are, see • Introduction to researching correspondence... .
The examples used in this video are from the Chief Secretary’s Department correspondence. Other correspondence records will be organised slightly differently, and you will need to familiarise yourself with the ‘About’ page of the specific series you will be searching. However, the five steps set out in this video will be mostly the same across each series.
You can revisit any of the steps by clicking on the headings below:
00:00 INTRODUCTION
00:54 STEP 1: Find the relevant agency and correspondence series
03:19 STEP 2: Use the agency’s index to correspondence to find a description of the relevant letter.
04:26 STEP 3: Use the agency’s register of correspondence to find out where the letter was filed.
07:06 STEP 4: Order the relevant box or file of correspondence to view in the Reading Room.
08:23 STEP 5: Browse the contents of the box or file in the Reading Room and find the letter!
09:15 TROUBLESHOOTING: Unexpected entries in the register
Resources mentioned in the video:
PROVisualizer
https://prov.vic.gov.au/explore-colle...
Margaret Cuthbertson page on First Ladies website:
https://www.womenaustralia.info/exhib...
Video tutorials for ordering records
https://prov.vic.gov.au/explore-colle...