Most of the records hat we have had to access in tracing our ancestors have come from England, Scotland and ireland. Learn More
The Secrets under grandma's bed
Family documents are an important source of information. They may be well filed and organised, or you may come across them in shoeboxes, in cases on top of wardrobes or buried in old chests of drawers. Learn More
Bringing old photos back to life
Old photographs are delicate objects. If they haven't been preserved properly, it is likely that they will have incurred some damage between the time they were taken and now. Learn More
Network of family members
Use a Family and Home Information Sources Checklist as a guide to sources of information you might find in your home or the home of a relative. Learn More
Scottish Records
If you’ve got Scottish ancestors then you’re in luck because Scotland is a world-leader in providing family history information online. Learn More
Irish records
If your ancestors are Irish, you might need to become a good detective. Better still, if you can, talk to your Granny! She'll start you off in the right place. Learn More
Family History for Beginners
DIY for you to trace your own family history. Learn More
Locate your first primary source
The most important sources are eye-witness and official documents. The best first Primary Source is your grandparent's death certificate. It's a Gold Mine!! Learn More
How to trace your ancestors
Getting started is the biggest hurdle. Here's an easy guide to get you going. Learn More
Collecting evidence
The best place to start collecting evidence is with the family. Especially the elders. Learn More
Bigger than you think
Be warned. Once you start you'll be hooked forever! I had to learn to eat the elephant one toenail at a time. Learn More
Record keeping
It's important to have some sort of order and indexing method for keeping your family records. If not, you'll never be able to out the pieces of the puzzle together. Learn More
"You are our living link to the past. Tell your grandchildren the story of the struggles waged, at home and abroad. Of sacrifices made for freedom's sake. And tell them your own story as well — because[everybody] has a story to tell." George H.W. Bush
In a complex, mobile society like ours, life's tapestry gets shredded. The continuity of our lives is ripped by transience and fragmentation. Community is fragile, torn, scattered. Our need to examine and to share our stories is vital--for our own mental health, for our relationships and our cohesiveness in community, and for the good of a future that can learn from our past.Dolly Bertholot
