The Good Genealogist

How to Improve the Quality of Your Family History Research

By Danielle Lautrec

Available in print and eBook formats

Why this book?

The Good Genealogist is a practical guide designed to help family historians—whether beginners or seasoned researchers—improve the quality of their family history research. Drawing from years of teaching and professional experience, this book provides a structured approach to genealogical research, emphasising the importance of critical thinking and systematic methodologies.

What you’ll learn

• Plan Research: Set clear objectives and develop effective research strategies.
• Conduct Research: Utilise historical research methods to gather relevant information.
• Analyse Research: Critically assess sources, information, evidence and conclusions to build credible family histories.
• Document Findings: Learn best practices for recording and citing genealogical information.
• Organise Information: Implement systems to manage and retrieve research efficiently.
• Maintain Systems and Documentation: Keep your family history documentation and systems functioning well.

Each chapter focuses on set of skills, offering insights into common pitfalls and how to avoid them. The book also promotes the implementation of the research process cycle, guiding readers through a continuous loop of planning, researching, analysing, documenting, organising, and maintaining their work.

What readers are saying

The qualities of being a ‘good genealogist’ outlined in this guide mirror those of being a ‘good historian’ of any kind – including high-level skills in historical research, critical analysis and the use of evidence. The guide sets out, clearly and methodically, a range of useful ideas and techniques to enable us to develop and implement these essential qualities in our own family history work.

Kate Bagnall, Senior Lecturer in Humanities Coordinator, Family History University of Tasmania, Foreword to The Good Genealogist

About the author

Danielle Lautrec is a genealogy educator and historical researcher based in Sydney, Australia. With tertiary qualifications in history, family history, historical archaeology, and town planning, she has an extensive background in research and policy analysis. Danielle has served as the Education Officer and Archives Officer at the Society of Australian Genealogists and continues to support these functions on a voluntary basis. She is the author of The Good Genealogist and maintains a blog at Generations Genealogy, offering resources, tips and insights for genealogists of all skill levels.