The Genealogical Society of the Northern Territory (GSNT) has received notice to quit its Darwin premises , which it has occupied for five years , in 84 Smith Street , by the end of the month . An email received last Saturday stated the new owner of the property is CatholicCare NT Resources Ltd. and the GSNT has to vacate by August 31.
It is understood GSNT had been under the impression the lease would be extended for three years from that date . Now it is faced with rapidly closing down and moving its superb large library, hanging files, credenzas , extensive NT photo collection , ephemera , microfiche , computers and office equipment to an as yet unknown new location .
The GSNT has been providing an outstanding service for nearly 40 years ,Its operation under the ambit of the NT Government through NT Library and Archives. The upheaval has not been picked up by the local media . There are obvious questions to be asked, like: How was this situation allowed to develop without GSNT knowing ? Where to now ?
This blog recently visited the GSNT premises and picked up numerous stories from its library, photos and ephemera, some of which have been run, more to come . The local media hardly, if ever, draws on its treasure trove of material.
