Posted by FamilyHistoryFour on Thursday, December 06, 2018 in Hints & Tips
Source: Surrey Family History Centre
- Always check your sources and write down not just what you found but where you found it, and when. Even if someone else has done the research – check where that information came from and always identify the original source.
- Regularly back up anything you store on your computer and give a copy to a friend/family member who can store it in a safe place and /or store it on the cloud.
- Don’t pay for anything until you’re absolutely sure you can’t get it somewhere else free! Don’t forget all the wonderful resources which are free in your local library and record office and rummage around on the internet for free sources. Use online guidelines available through the BBC and Society of Genealogists’ websites for helpful tips and advice.
- Beware of ‘making something fit’. If you can’t find proof of something – it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen – but on the other hand, you cannot prove it did – no matter how much you want it to! Record the information but remember to keep an open mind. Remember, a family historian ALWAYS finds what they are looking for.
- Be very broad minded when it comes to spelling! Standardised spelling only becomes more common by the end of the 19th century and even then, accents, literacy (or lack of it) and transcription errors all played a part in naming our ancestors.
- Remember, transcriptions are only as good as the transcriber! People are only human and can (and do) make mistakes. Remember that many commercial sites use transcribers and volunteers from overseas, whose knowledge of UK geography might not be best.
- It is a fallacy that our ancestors remained in the same place all their lives. Often, they didn’t! They might follow seasonal work around an area but also emigrated, joined the forces, went to schools and orphanages out of area/county, stayed in hospitals and were sometimes sent to prison!
- Do talk to other family historians and genealogists – ideally in person but if not, online! There are some great family blog sites such as Rootshat which can be a great way of discovering and sharing information. Visit your local records office or family history centre and use the facilities they have. Not just the indexes and records but also the wealth of knowledge that their staff process.
- Visit family history fairs. There are many regional fairs which attract lots of local and family history societies who are delighted to help people with their research.
- There are some fantastic resources available on the internet and they are great fun to explore. However, do be careful with what you upload onto the net. It’s not a bad idea to only upload genealogical information and family trees from 3rd generation back. Also, if you are rummaging around other people’s websites and obscure transcription sites, make sure your online security is up to date – viruses do not discriminate!
- Also, think about being generous with your information. For everything you find free on the internet, think about what you might be able to put back. A simple transcription of a gravestone put on a blog site may be the very key that someone else is looking for.
- Family history is not just pouring over registers and gluing yourself to the internet. Travel to your ancestor’s homes and walk in their footsteps; explore their trades and professions; find out what they wore; visit where they worshipped; read the newspapers they might have read. Immerse yourself in your family’s history to experience a holistic genealogical journey …………………. and enjoy it!
