Source Information

This database contains a collection of the Sand’s directories for Sydney and New South Wales, Australia from 1858-1933. Directories were NOT issued in 1862, 1872, 1874, 1878, or 1881.

There are usually several sections in each directory. These can include:

• Alphabetical name directory


• Advertisements


• Commercial directory


• Professional directory


• Street directory


• Index

The alphabetical name section is the most useful part of the directory to the genealogist. This section lists the names of each head of household and their districts of residence. Often their occupations and/or street addresses will also be listed.

The commercial and professional directories contain information on businesses and companies. The street directory lists individuals and businesses alphabetically by name of street and number. The index will tell you what page number in the directory a particular individual or business is listed on.

Why use directories?

Directories are extremely useful for locating people in a particular place and time. They are excellent census substitute records.

Directories can also be used to track migration and determine approximate dates of death. If you’ve traced an ancestor through several years of directories and then they don’t appear anymore, it likely means that the individual either moved or died.

The advertisements and professional or commercial sections of the directory can be useful to learn more about your ancestor’s occupation and may lead you to research in other occupational records.