Electronic Family History

With the widespread use of the Internet or World Wide Web for family history, where do you start? Which websites should you use, and where can you find the right data for your family among the billions of records?

This talk of mine (Electronic Family History) explores key techniques, resources and top tips for finding your ancestors and their stories. Below is a flavour of this talk and its contents.

Talk overview

 

Online birth, marriage and death

Read as much background information as you can, and take the site tour if one is available:

+ freebmd.org.uk
+ ukbmd.org.uk
+ google.co.uk
+ International Genealogical Index
+ genuki.org.uk
+ ukgdl.org.uk
+ cyndislist.com

 

Parish registers

Parish registers can be located with the Phillimore Atlas and Index of Parish Registers. They can also be located in central repositories: societyofgenealogists.com, londonfhc.org, llgc.org.uk. They can be located on-line (http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/, www.scan.org.uk; http://freereg.rootsweb.com/)

 

UK Census

Find online, or at The National Archives, Kew.
+ freecen.org.uk
+ familysearch.org
+ ukbmd.org.uk/census
+ ancestry.co.uk
+ findmypast.co.uk
+ genesreunited.co.uk
+ scotlandspeople.gov.uk
+ thegenealogist.co.uk
+ census.nationalarchives.ie

 

Latest discoveries

+ http://greatwarphotos.com
+ gov.uk/government/topical-events/first-world-war-centenary
+ 1914.org/
+ 1914-1918-online.net/
+ stepshort.co.uk/
+ ffhs.org.uk/ww1/intro.php
+ ssafa.org.uk/ww1

 

Summary

What to do/not do with your family history…

Do

+ always work backwards from yourself
+ always backup information with documentary proof
+ be honest and methodical
+ keep proper records of your findings; with sources
+ be patient
+ note down all dates/events you are certain of
+ ask as many people in your family for their recognitions; more than once
+ search for as many pieces of memorabilia as possible; look in lofts

Don’t

+ assume anything
+ rely on internet sources
+ believe everything you hear
+ try to come forward with research
+ despair if you can’t find out much; try again

 

Share your findings

+ Other people will be interested in your research; family and people you have never met
+ Sit down with relations, arrange a gathering or reunion
+ Get involved online; join a forum, start an online family tree uploading information in GEDCOM format,
+ Create your own website, or facebook page to keep relations up to date
+ Use other social media sites to share research and photographs
+ Blog about your research
+ Ask for permission before putting details of living relations online

 

Book my talk to discover

+ The principles of family history research
+ Rules for searching all websites
+ Techniques for finding your ancestors
+ How to find free websites
+ Example searches
+ Trade Directories
+ Newspapers and how to find people
+ Family History Programs
+ The latest record releases online
+ and much more

 

I also conduct a more advanced Talk on ‘Electronic Family History’, ask me for details of ‘Electronic Family History Talk 2‘

View all my talks and book me

 

Robert Parker is a Genealogist and Trainer, based in Kent. He delivers courses, guidance, talks and research services for those interested in tracing their ancestors. See https://myfamilygenealogy.co.uk/guidance/ for his 5 steps to discovering your ancestors. Contact Robert to discuss your requirements without obligation.

What stories might your ancestors tell?