Articles about how to search for sources and information in family history, conducting a reasonably exhaustive search, find the best sources and build evidence.
Why you need to broaden your family history research Many of us limit the scope of our family history research to try to make it more manageable. We might trace a limited number of surnames, or rely primarily on birth, death and marriage records, using familiar websites. It feels easy and saves time. But it … Read more
Family history conferences are more than a collection of presentations, catching up with friends and colleagues, and grabbing some new books. They can introduce us to sources and repositories we were not aware of, help us refocus our research, inspire new ways of working and motivate us to take action. I was reminded of all … Read more
Family history research is about much more than typing a name into an online database and getting instant, accurate results. Despite what some family history websites promise in their advertisements, good research takes patience, skill and a sound method. I have been a researcher and analyst for most of my life, and I know I … Read more
When you research family history, it’s natural to focus on people. Their names, dates, and relationships. Yet behind every individual is a place: a town, a parish, a street, even a single house. These places shaped your ancestors’ lives, created the sources you now consult, and influenced the decisions they made. Understanding locations isn’t a … Read more
The internet is a great tool for family history research, but it’s only the start. Offline family history sources hold incredible treasures waiting to be discovered – original documents, family photographs, handwritten letters, and records that may never appear online. These sources can unlock family mysteries, provide rich details for your stories, and offer connections … Read more
