Family History Tips and Links
Guidelines and advice
Things Not to do
- Don't believe everything you read, as 'it ain't necessarily so'.
- Don't rely solely on your family and friends memories, as family stories often get muddled.
- Don't believe that official records are always correct, as mistakes happen.
- Don't rely on one source of information, always confirm your data.
- Don't believe it is going to be easy, as it takes time, work and like all hobbies can be expensive. It is also often very frustrating when you hit a 'brick wall'.
- Do NOT rely on the IGI without checking the source.
Things to Do
- Do your own research by using many sources and cross references.
- Do make contacts with others who are searching the same lines. This is so easy to do now, use Ancestry.com or FindmyPast and World Connect.
- Make sure your tree hasn't already been researched in the past.
- Do contact your relatives and ask to look at their documents, such as photos, newspaper cuttings, certificates, wills or Bibles. Copy these by digital camera, scanning or photocopying.
- Do use the library close to the place of research to learn about the history of areas and find records, or research this online.
- Do use record offices and libraries to find birth, death, marriage and many other records. The actual Parish register may contain details which are not necessarily shown in a published transcription.
- Do keep careful records of all the sources of documentation. Every research paper should carry the Source: ie. where you are at the time of recording, ie Scottish Record Office, followed by the Reference number and folio number.
- Different methods work for different people. The amount of time and interest play a major part in how much you will do, but it is a hobby which you can drop and pick up at a later date. That is where you will appreciate the through noting of all your sources .
- Be very discerning and always check the source.
- Remember Family History is like a crossword or jigsaw. Try to get every piece and place it in the correct position.