Getting Started on Family History by
Chalmers Cursley
Genealogy,
the study of pedigree differs from family
history. The genealogist is concerned with
ancestral descent and establishing family
relationships. The family historian aims to
produce a well documented narrative history
of interest to family members and future
generations.
Genealogy or
Family History?
Genealogy, the study of pedigree differs from
family history. The genealogist is concerned
with ancestral descent and establishing family
relationships.
The family historian aims to produce a well
documented narrative history of interest to
family members and future generations. The
study of family history actually puts the
‘flesh on the bones’ and includes
the historical circumstances and geographical
situations surrounding the family.
How Far Back?
In England and Wales you should be able to
trace your family roots with comparative ease
back to 1837 when civil registration of births,
marriages and deaths began. Getting back beyond
1837 normally relies mainly on the use of
parish registers – with luck, and allied
to other types of records, these might enable
you to trace your family back to the 16th
century. Beyond this can be extremely
difficult, unless you can tie into a well
documented pedigree, e.g. a famous person or a
great land-owning family.
How to Begin?
Note the names of your close family and draw a
rough family tree, starting with yourself at
the bottom. If you are only able to go back as
far as your grandparents, you are doing all
right, particularly if you can fill in most or
all of the birth, marriage and death dates. A
great many people will not be able to get this
far back at first so, if you are one of them,
don’t let it bother you. The British love
of red tape produced great record keepers!
Write down the names of all older relatives who
are still left in the family; such relatives
can be a mine of information.
They may have birth, marriage and death
certificates, in which case, borrowing copies
of these will save you time and money.
Perhaps they will also have family bibles
containing family history information going
back many years, or photo albums or other
documents that could help.
You may find a relative has already started
researching part of your family tree and will
be willing to share this information with you.
It will pay to contact them, either in person
or by phone, letter or e-mail as soon as
possible.
Visit your local library and see if they have a
selection of books on how to trace your family
tree.
Locate your nearest family history society.
Even if your family does not originate locally,
you will find meeting fellow family historians
helpful, and listening to talks by
knowledgeable speakers a bonus. If your family
origins are further away, joining that local
society could prove useful. The Federation of
Family History Societies publishes a list of
county societies on its web site www.ffhs.org.
Each society publishes its own periodical, and
virtually all produce a list of members’
interests. Membership fees are quite
reasonable.
Chalmers Cursley has been a family historian
for 25 years. He is a member of the Society of
Genealogists and the Guild of One-Name Studies.
Please visit his Web Site and his Blog