The local history movement in Bendigo is expanding, with increased community engagement and events such as the Bendigo Historical Society's first gala dinner, which raised $3000 for cataloguing equipment. There is ongoing discussion about creating a dedicated local history museum and expanding storage at the Bendigo Regional Archives Centre (BRAC). Local history is now recognized as a vital field, with both locals and visitors showing interest in Bendigo's past. Local schools are incorporating local history into their curriculum, encouraging younger generations to explore family stories. The rise of the internet and ancestry websites has made family history research more accessible, but expertise in cataloguing and archival research remains crucial. Many historical records are still in print, and there is a push for digitization to make information more easily accessible worldwide. Mistakes can occur in family history research, especially with online family trees, highlighting the need for careful verification by experts. The genealogical society has traced Mrs. Pankhurst's origins, family, and career in Bendigo, but some mysteries remain, such as her connection to a man who died overseas. Researchers suspect she may have been involved in wartime support groups, but definitive answers are still being sought.Bendigo Advertiser Article - Interest in local history is growing, pictures by Darren Howe - Dec 16 2017 This item contains the following: 3486.59a Colour photo of Phyllis Mills doing research 3486.59b Colour photo of Judi Fisher 3486.59c Bendigo Advertiser Article - Interest in local history is growingbendigo, mrs pankhurst, phyllis mills, judi fisher