People of all ages are researching their Family History, even school students as part as their history studies. Family History is like a jigsaw puzzle. Collecting all the pieces to result in a final picture.
Who were my great grand parents?
Where did the live?
How many children were in the family?
What did they do for work and social life? the list will go on and on.
THE 6 BASIC STEPS.
Use these 6 steps for every new generation when doing research.
* What do I want to learn about my family?
* What do I already know about my family and how do I record it?
* What photos do I have of them?
* What records do Family History Groups, libraries and other organizations have?
* How do I obtain the records I want?
* Where do I go from here?
HOW DO I START?
A good rule is to work backwards from yourself. This is the only way to be almost certain that you are tracing the right family. Never assume a connection with some particular family then try to fit yourself into one of its branches. It doesn’t work!!!!! Fill in a birth brief chart place yourself as No.1. Then move on to your parents and grandparents with the information you already have. The missing gaps will be filled in later when you start your research.
WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU ALREADY HAVE AT HAND?
The best start point is original documents that be a home or with a close relative.
* Your marriage certificate.
* Your birth certificate.
* Your parents birth or marriage certificate.
Go back to the birth brief. Can you fill in any more details.
OTHER ITEMS FROM HOME FOR FAMILY HISTORIANS
* Old birthday cards or books. Start your own birthday book for the current generation.
* Photographs. Never use pen. A label on back and details written in pencil.
* Old diaries are a great sources of information.
* Legal documents such as land deeds, wills etc.
* That shoe box of newspaper clippings and old papers that Nana keep is a gold mine.
* Does a family bible exists?
Write down any family story it will be a good source of truth or half truth later on.
Ask relatives for any photos of family or houses where they lived.
ORGANISING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH
Keep your research in separate folders for each Family.
Plastic envelopes protect certificates and other documents.
Whilst researching an exercise book is great as your will refer back to your notes when trying to solve a mystery. Always write down your source of information and location with date of research.
Some of the charts one can use:-
* Birth Briefs (Ancestor Chart/Pedigree)
* Family Records Sheets.
A completed Ancestor Chart is given along with a blank one and a Family record sheet. Always keep a master copy and photocopy as require more charts.
Many people record their family history research on computer. There is a large range of software available however I suggest one uses Brothers Keepers.
Family History Research
Reports are available on families from NSW and Norfolk Island, includes birth, death, marriage, children and other information. 3 generations report and an ancestor chart, burials, shipping records and occupations. No details on living people will be issue. Research and reports includes suggestions for future research and a list of all sources searched. New researchers will find these a great resource to start off their family history.
Order online or Ph: 02 44554780
