Genealogy Research Guidance – Under construction
In the coming weeks, we will share essential tips and steps to help beginners start their family tree research. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Talk to your family – Someone in your family may have already begun researching your history. If so, it’s worth connecting with them to share findings and divide research tasks.
Most importantly, keep a record of everything you discover. Later, when you analyze your findings, you’ll be able to separate fact from fiction. Family stories often evolve over time, much like a game of Chinese whispers. Just because something has been passed down doesn’t necessarily make it true—for example, a relative named Gilbert was said to have died on the Somme, but records later revealed it was actually Hubert at Passchendaele. There’s no fault in this—it’s simply what ancestors may have been told or misunderstood
Create a simple family tree diagram – Start by drawing a basic tree on a sheet of paper, ideally A3 size, beginning with yourself and working backward in time. This visual representation helps you map out relationships clearly. If you’re comfortable with technology, consider using a graphics pad and pen. Digital tools can make revisions easier, eliminating the need to redraw by hand each time new information emerges.
Connect with the eldest family members – Speak to your older relatives as soon as possible and ask them to share their knowledge about the family’s history. If you can, arrange a meeting and, with their permission, record the conversation on video. This not only preserves valuable stories for future reference but also allows you to include actual footage of your relatives in your research.
Gather family records and photographs – Ask to see and obtain copies of any documents, photographs, or memorabilia your relatives may have. Be respectful and patient—allow them to share their memories in their own way. You can always revisit details later with follow-up questions. Keep a meticulous record of everything, no matter how minor it may seem. Sometimes, a small piece of information holds the key to resolving a research challenge.
Finally, avoid unnecessary subscriptions – Before committing to paid genealogy services, ensure you understand what you truly need. There’s a wealth of foundational research that can be done for free, and rushing into subscriptions without direction may lead to wasted time and resources.
Define Your Research Goals
Before diving into family history research, take a moment to clarify your objectives. Are you interested in discovering the origins of your surname, uncovering family myths, or tracing notable ancestors? Setting clear goals will help focus your efforts. While experienced researchers can provide guidance, their methods may not always align with your preferred approach. If you’re unsure where to start, following their advice is fine—but remember, your research should follow a path that works best for you. Speak to multiple researchers to gain different perspectives.
Start with the Basics
Begin your research with a simple pen and paper. Write down what you already know, starting with yourself and expanding to relatives. Keep track of key details such as names, relationships, birth dates, christenings, marriages, and locations. Collect copies of important records, including family bibles, address books, certificates, school records, diaries, and photographs. These sources will form the foundation of your research.
Utilize Document Scanning Apps
Technology can make research more efficient. Using your mobile phone camera with a document scanner app can help digitize records quickly. Consider using separate apps for scanning photographs and text documents, saving files in PDF format for easy access. Embracing digital tools can significantly streamline the process, making it easier to organize and retrieve information.
Get Organized with Genealogy Software
Decide how you want to store your findings. Electronic storage is often the best option, so explore genealogy software packages that align with your research style. Before purchasing, review different programs to ensure they meet your needs. Legacy9 worked well for me, but I encourage you to compare options before deciding.
Consider Future Presentation Needs
Think ahead about how you might share your research with family and friends. Will you create an electronic presentation using PowerPoint, SWAY, or another tool? Or perhaps you envision compiling your findings into a book? Whatever your plan, ensure your data is stored in a format that allows for easy access and integration into your chosen presentation medium.
Keep a Research Journal
Maintaining a journal is essential as your research expands. Over time, it’s easy to forget where you’ve searched—whether online or in physical archives. Many researchers revisit websites only to realize they’ve already reviewed the same materials. A journal can help you track dates, times, locations (web or postal addresses), search queries, and findings. This differs from returning to a site to check for updates—it’s about avoiding redundant research. Personally, I keep an Excel spreadsheet with all the sites and locations I’ve explored, including the dates and results.
Join a Family History Society
When the time feels right, consider joining a Family History Society relevant to your lineage. For example, since my ancestors are from Dorset, I joined the Dorset Family History Society, which made sense given my focus on that region. These societies provide valuable guidance, support, and learning opportunities, connecting you with researchers who can share expertise and techniques.
Plan Archive Visits Carefully
Visiting local libraries, county archives, or national repositories can be crucial to your research. However, planning is key—always confirm that the records you seek are actually held at the location before making the trip. I once visited the Dorchester Records Office to view wills they listed on their website, only to be told the documents were at The National Archives in Kew, London. After traveling to Kew, I discovered that the wills were indeed back in Dorchester—resulting in 436 miles of unnecessary travel! Mistakes happen, but verifying details in advance can save significant time and effort.
Using a Family Relationship Chart
A Family Relationship Chart can help clarify how different relatives connect within a lineage. To use it effectively, determine the common ancestor between you and the other person. For example, if your great-grandfather is their great-great-great-grandfather, place yourself at the “Self” position on the chart. Then, work backward (ascendancy) through generations until reaching the shared ancestor. From there, follow the descendancy path to map out their relationship to you. This process requires familiarity with family members but can be highly useful for organizing connections. Alternatively, begin with the subject’s name and document their father, grandfather, and so on.
Understanding Cousin Relationships
To determine the subject’s relationship to you, follow these generational steps:
- Start with the Subject’s Great-Great-Great-Grandfather, who is also your Great-Grandfather.
- Move one generation down to their Great-Great-Grandfather, who is your Grand Uncle or Grand Aunt.
- Move down another generation to their Great-Grandfather, who is your 1st Cousin, 1st Removed.
- From their Great-Grandfather, move down to the Grandfather, who is your 2nd Cousin.
- From their Grandfather, move down to the Father, who is your 2nd Cousin, 1st Removed.
- Finally, from their Father, move down to the Subject, who is your 2nd Cousin, 2nd Removed.
Thus, the subject is your 2nd Cousin, 2nd Removed according to genealogical relationship mapping.
How Cousins Are Defined
- First Cousins share a Grandparent.
- Second Cousins share a Great-Grandparent.
- Third Cousins share a Great-Great-Grandparent.
- Fourth Cousins share a Great-Great-Great-Grandparent.
Extending the Chart
If the relationship between you and the subject extends beyond this framework, simply continue following the same generational pattern. Each step backward moves up in ancestry, while each step forward brings the relationship closer to the present.
Family Relationship Chart
I hope this helps to get you started in your research. More will be added in due course.
Take your time! Accuracy not speed is the rule!
Good Hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between genealogy and family history?
Genealogy focuses on tracing the descendants of a specific individual, mapping out family connections over generations. Family history, on the other hand, explores the ancestors of a person, providing insight into their lives, occupations, locations, and personal histories.
What is the genealogy research method?
Genealogy research involves tracing ancestral history through official and unofficial records.
- Official records include birth, marriage, and death certificates, wills, and probate documents.
- Unofficial records may include family documents, diaries, or stories passed down through generations.
How is genealogy traced?
Genealogy is traced by searching and verifying documentation that holds accepted provenance. Researchers rely on:
- Vital records (births, marriages, and deaths)
- Legal documents (wills, probate, court records)
- Government records (tax records, electoral registers)
What is the study of a family tree?
The study of a family tree involves gathering information about an individual, verifying their existence, and building a pedigree chart. This foundational chart can later be expanded into a more detailed family history, including narratives, documents, and personal accounts.