Start with yourself: Write down all the basics you can remember about previous generations of family members such as – when and where born, when and where married, spouses names, names and ages of children and where they lived/worked. Gather any records that will help such as photographs (with names and dates if possible), certificates, wills, family bibles, letters, diaries etc.

Ask the family: Visit relatives particularly the elder ones and ask for any of the above information they may have. Encourage them to tell you their memories or family stories. However do not always take these as the gospel truth, they can be changed when passed either through the vagaries of memory or even embellished. Remember very few are descended from Kings, Queens or the aristocracy.

Record your information: Adopt a recording system from the start, this can be hand written or computer based, whichever suits you. However make sure each individual in your record has a reference number and use that number to file away any information on the individual. The book 'Family Tree Detective, Tracing Your Family in England and Wales' by Colin D Rogers contains examples of the basic recording documents, use them rather than invent your own. If you are computer literate purchase a good Family History package.

Further your knowledge: Find out how to proceed further with your research either by reading books on the subject, or by taking a beginners course in Family History Research or by learning from experienced researchers at a Family History Society, such as ours.

 

A lot of research can be done over the Internet these days. There are a number of sites that offer access to ‘Primary Source’ finding aids i.e., census returns and birth marriages and deaths (BMD’s). For a small charge you can even view images of census returns, ships passenger lists etc. This ‘primary’ information can usually be trusted. However there is also a lot of information posted by individuals, this can often be unchecked and has often been recycled from other entries and should be treated as a finding aid only. Before relying on this type of information always check it against a ‘Primary Source’ before incorporating it into your own Family Records.

A list of some of the main Internet sites relating to genealogy can be found by clicking the ‘Links’ button.

Starting out in family history is an enjoyable and satisfying experience. This guide may appear dauntingly complex, but should provide a useful introduction to the hobby. Importantly, although we have provided many Internet references, there is no reason why you should not be successful in your search without even touching a computer.