Ancestry Resources

Ancestry Resources is an information & knowledge resource for genealogical research & success in exploring your family heritage. We provide an overview and guide to numerous websites and additional aids, both traditional and cutting edge, including:

We also share ideas and pointers to make your genealogy journey as fruitful and stress-free as possible. To kick off we suggest you run through our Top 21 Tips (see below). Taking them on board will ensure your genealogical research is structured, efficient and headed for results. Please do check out our Ancestry Blog - it offers more insights and tips for exploring family heritage.

So, whether your are just starting out or already engaged in family history research, we aim to provide plenty to spur you on - don't forget, half the thrill is in the chase.

Top 21 Tips for exploring your Family Heritage

1. There are plenty of roots to follow

Frequently people pursue their own surname (paternal) line, but that can leave a lot of family ancestry unearthed. So don't neglect your maternal lineage; it may just prove more fascinating. Though to avoid confusion - especially if your a beginner - only stick to one line at a time.  

2. Don't reinvent the wheel (or tree)

Has a family member already started or completed a tree? Ask if they will kindly share their findings. It may not need much tinkering or it could provide a foundation on which to build further.      

3. Set your goals

What questions do you want answered? Do you have a family mystery? How far back do you want to go and to what depth? Do you want to create a tree and/or narrative family history? This is a personal (and very likely addictive) project - it can be as simple or detailed as you like.
 

4. Write down what you already know

Either in a notebook or digitally, write all the family history you know (or think you know). Work backwards from yourself, to your parents, grandparents etc. Record birth, marriage, death and burial details - plus occupations. Importantly, jot down family memories and anecdotes. Try and recall what you heard about your ancestry when growing up. There will be gaps and possible errors in your knowledge, but that is what you are aiming to fill in or correct.

5. Speak to older relatives before it's too late

I didn't get into ancestry until my early 40s, but my maternal grandmother died when I just shy of 40. She reached the not inconsiderable age of 93, but I didn't have a proper sit down and ask her about our shared family heritage. She had an amazing memory for family lore and I missed the opportunity. So, unlike me, don't miss the boat - grab a notebook or ideally recording device and get quizzing. Do make it relaxed though, it's not the Spanish Inquisition. That doesn't mean you go in unprepared; have your list of burning (yet diplomatic) questions to hand. Old family photos and other realia (see Tip 6) can be a great prompt, so lay your hands on those before you jump in. Don't shy away from approaching more distant relatives, who you may have had little or no contact with previously. Some family anecdotes may strike you as bizarre, but you may find there's a grain or more of truth in them. In all likelihood a good chat - plus a relaxing cuppa - could open up an ancestral treasure trove. A one-to-one sit down is best, but if circumstances don't permit use video chat, phone or email. For more insights see our Blog post Ancestry Interview Questions - Don't Delay.

6. Trawl your house, loft, garage etc.

Hunt down family photos, certificates, family bibles, diaries, letters, medals, historical newspaper clippings, even old CVS. These are called realia (everyday objects and materials) and are essential in your genealogical quest. Birth, marriage and death certificates are the building blocks of family history research.

7. Identify and scan photos

Images on a family tree are crucial, otherwise you family tree will look rather sparse - like a tree minus its leaves. When originally printed, your ancestor could readily identify their photos. Future genealogy hunters were not taken into account, so more often than not they didn't note names, dates and places. This can be a real challenge for their descendants. This is were Tip 5 comes in; relatives may readily know or suggest someone who may be of help. Unless they belong to you, get permission before writing on the back of photos. Importantly, don't use a biro as the pressure tends to show through on the image. Identify the persons (left to right), the place and precise or near as possible date. Take high quality scans or photos for later addition to your tree/s or write up.   

8. Plant and grow your tree

With the information you've gathered so far, complete a simple family tree; you can download free printable family trees and charts from freefamilytreetemplates.com. From this you can clearly see what further information you need to find out. To keep expanding your tree you will need to subscribe to one or more of the best genealogy sites. In addition, they provide online tree-building tools; to these you can link record sources, plus add photos, stories and memories.

9. Be flexible

People don't always go by their given first name. For example my grandmother's forenames were Alice Marie, but everyone knew her as Marie.  Family often went by diminutive names or nicknames: Bess for Elizabeth, Fred for Frederick, Ted for Edward etc. Be wary and allow for this, especially when searching census returns. The head of the household may easily have relayed such a name form to the enumerator (census taker).

10. Records upon records

When it comes to genealogical research think beyond just BMDs (Birth, Marriages and Deaths) and census returns. There are thousands of record collections to explore, be it via ancestry websites or in original format; your ancestors may be just be awaiting your discovery. Of the best genealogy sites, Ancestry alone has over 33,000 collections. Amongst the many fascinating records are burials, court, emigration & immigration, military, historical newspapers, passenger lists, prisoners, schools, wills and workhouses. 

11. Take a home DNA test

Undertaking Ancestry DNA testing could potentially blow things wide open. As well as confirming what you may already know (or believe) to be true, it could take you down unexpected and compelling paths. You could discover 'down under' (or just down the road) cousins, an unknown grandparent etc. Wherever it takes you, family DNA testing is an amazing and often revelatory new tool for those exploring their family heritage. 
 

12. Be methodical

Step-by-systematic step, work your way back through time - ancestor by ancestor - carefully establishing links. Don't leapfrog, this will waste time and result in errors. A scattergun approach could mean going over previously explored ground. Make notes as to what avenues you have tried, whether successful or not, and those you need to make. Otherwise you could end going over the same ground twice. An ad-hoc approach to family research won't cut it; smart searching is crucial. 

13. Check and double-check

Worthwhile family research lies in accurate analysis and transcription. Ensure everything tallies as you work back through your lineage. Do not make unmerited assumptions. You should be able to explain the logic of your tree and back it up with evidence. One mistake and you could easily end up creating not your tree, but somebody else's. This is even more important if you have a common surname such as Smith or Jones. Slowly exploring all the details in a record can prove both rewarding and revelatory. For example, always check the witness names on a marriage certificate (or informant on death) and study the pages either side of a census entry, as extended family members may have lived in the same street. 

14. Record and file your research

After all the work you've put in this is for your benefit and those to come. Initially this will be in note form, print-outs and photocopies, but later you will want to formalise this as trees and/or typed histories. Collate this in tabbed arch lever files. If digitally recorded, ensure you make regular back ups; use an external hard drive, cloud storage or USB stick (or even better, all three).

15. Build on your family story

Move beyond just names and 'book-end dates', namely births and deaths. There is so much more to a person's life: their relationships, education, occupations, homes and achievements. Of major impact is the time and place/s they lived in; the lived experience. Generally, more personal aspects such as their character, interests and personal stories can only be gleaned from relations/friends who knew them, so these ancestors will be closer in time to yourself.   

16. Beware of original and database errors 

Mistakes can appear in original documents; the writer may have attempted a spelling or misheard. Typed interpretations, especially of surnames, can be prone to errors - transcriptions are only as good as the transcriber. Names, dates, ages, places etc. may be misread, so where possible refer to the scanned or original document. Trust your own eyesight and judgement that the entries make sense. 

17. Cite and check sources

If you don't record sources, you might review your work and have no idea how you arrived at a certain decision and possible routing. Citing sources lends your work credibility; it makes it easier for your current family (plus future generations) to understand how you arrived at certain conclusions. You can often save related digitised sources to your online family tree. If you use one of the best genealogy sites to create your tree, you may be prompted to merge with other user's tree where matches arise. Never jump in and merge without thoroughly checking their sources. Lay claim to having carried out your own genealogical research.   

18. One step leads to another

Documents will keep throwing up new information and leads. For example, the next census you review may show your ancestor as now widowed, a lodger and residing at the other end of the country. Perhaps half a dozen children have been born in the intervening ten years and the head of the household is no longer a butcher, but a publican. You never know what is coming your way and where it may next take you - I once located a relative in London's notorious Wandsworth prison.       

19. Books, courses, talks, webinars and societies

New ancestry books are always hitting the real and virtual shelves. Titles range from the broad to very specific. Amongst the multitude are: 'My Ancestor was in Service', 'Tracing your Police Ancestors' and 'Tracing your Ancestors through Family Photographs'. Also look out for courses, talks and webinars online or in your area. By joining a local family history society you can benefit from talks, workshops and shared advice.  

20. Share your discoveries

Some of your immediate family and beyond may initially appear uninterested in your new-found pursuit. But in my experience, once you explain and display your findings - especially the more interesting and intriguing aspects - they light up. Consequently, they may become more involved and be a source of further information, photos etc. Sharing your online tree can prove extremely fruitful, but only share living relatives information with their permission. 

21. If you hit a brick wall

Should you exhaust all known (to you) avenues you may have to turn to the aid of genealogy research services. They will bring a fresh pair of eyes and added experience to your search.

 
P.S. Read our Blog for further and regular tips.