It might be more appopriate to talk in pounds, shillings and pence but family history is bringing plenty of money into Orange this weekend.
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With 320 delegates attending the various workshops, speeches, a fair, a dinner and a historical tour as part of the 33rd NSW and ACT Family History conference they are also spending big on accommodation, meals and shopping.
It is estimated the total spend will be about $200,000 in Orange.
Organiser Jan Richards said many delegates would spend a week in Orange touring around the region and attending the conference.
Orange library is hosting a Family History Fair where 40 stands representing areas all across NSW are selling books and souvenirs covering all aspects of local history.
It will be open to the public throughout the weekend.
Mrs Richards said the attendees came from Sydney, all over NSW, Queensland, Victoria and New Zealand for the annual conference.
“Since the early 1980s family history research has become more popular,” she said.
Mrs Richards said a tour of Duntryleague on Sunday was proving popular with delegates.
“At least 60 people are booked in for that.
“The money is going to the mansion fund.
“There are a lot of spin-offs from the conference.”
Mayor Reg Kidd said it was a great boost for the city.
“I had people tell me ‘for me this is my first time here but we will be coming back and bringing our friends’,” he said.
“There is the accommodation and the meals, and these people don’t eat at McDonalds,” he said.
All of the research workshops on Friday were booked out in advance.
Talks will be held at the Orange Civic Theatre on Saturday and Sunday.
The guest speakers include actor and author William McInnes who will be speaking on Sunday morning.
He has written nine books and his most recent acting work was in the TV show Deep Water.
Artist Christina Henri will discuss her extensive project Roses from the Heart which is showcasing every female transported to Australia from 1788 to 1853.
She is doing it through the creation of about 25,000 bonnets, one for each of the women, including two who came to Orange.
There is also a dinner at the Orange Ex-Services’ Club on Saturday night.