By Annie from Family Tree Talks
Hey there! If you’re anything like me, the idea of tracing your family’s past is both thrilling and a bit overwhelming. Feeling like a detective in 2008, I decided to dive into my own family history journey I felt a mix of excitement and pressure to uncover the true story of my families past. Now almost two decades down the road I wanted to share my personal experience and tips for anyone else eager to uncover their roots and grow their family tree. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on my own adventure—hopefully, it will help you get started on your own family history quest.
1. Start with Your Own Family Stories - talk to Mum, Dad, Granny and Uncle Grant
My journey began right at home. I sat down with my parents and grandparents, eager to soak up their stories and gather any scraps of family history they could share. I remember my Granny’s eyes as she travelled back in time recounting the story of leaving school to look after the farm and the men knocking on the door during the great depression. Then the shoe boxes of photos came out! These conversations not only filled in vital details but also gave me a sense of the family lore that I might not find in records. I recommend recording these chats, either on your phone or with a notebook, so you can capture the richness of their memories.
2. Organise Your Information
Once I had a mountain of notes, pictures and documents, I needed to make sense of it all. I started with a simple family tree chart and used a family history app to keep track of everything. I found that digital tools and tree builders were incredibly helpful in visualising my family tree and connecting various branches. It was like piecing together a giant puzzle, and seeing the tree grow. I couldn’t wait to uncover the untold stories.
3. Explore Online Resources
I found myself searching the internet to see if there was anymore stories and to my surprise my Great Grandparents wedding had featured within the local newspaper. I quickly came to rely heavily on these resources to help link my tree together. Australia has some fantastic online sites, here are a few that really helped me:
Trove: This is where I unearthed the amazing newspaper articles about my great-grandparent’s local achievements. It’s a treasure trove (pun intended) of Australian history. The best bit is it is a completely free way to start your genealogy journey.
Australian National Archives: I found some fascinating records about my ancestors’ immigration journeys here. It felt like stepping back in time to see their original documents.
Findmypast: This site was invaluable for accessing Australian and New Zealand records. It was especially useful for finding birth, marriage, and death records.
Births Deaths Marriages (BDM): Each state has their own BDM registers and I used these to confirm years and places of events. I could do this basic research for free, however, you can pay for the certificates or images.
Military Records: I was able to find such interesting information on this site. Turns out my great grandfather was not the most punctual, being docked pay for returning late from leave.
4. Visit Local Archives and Libraries
While online research is fantastic, I found that nothing beats the experience of visiting local archives and libraries. I took a trip to the Queensland State Library, where I could view original documents that weren’t digitised. The staff there were incredibly helpful and pointed me towards resources I hadn’t discovered online.
5. Join Genealogical Societies
Joining a genealogical society can be a game-changer. It can be an amazing to connect with other people who shared our passion. The society offers workshops and access to exclusive resources, and the camaraderie is invaluable. Have a look for your local community, this could be in your town, state or country.
6. Network with Other Researchers
I connected with fellow family history enthusiasts through online forums and local groups. Joining Facebook groups dedicated to Australian genealogy provided a wealth of knowledge and a platform to share discoveries. Sometimes, a new perspective or piece of advice from another researcher can make all the difference.
7. Document and Share Your Discoveries
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been sharing my findings with family. I created a family history book and shared it with my relatives, which sparked new conversations and led to more discoveries. Documenting your journey not only preserves your work but also allows others to appreciate and contribute to your research.
8. Embrace the Unexpected
Family history research is full of surprises—some delightful, others challenging. I found photos of relatives I never thought I would have. Stay open-minded and flexible as you research; sometimes, the most interesting finds come from unexpected places.
Starting your family history journey is an exciting adventure filled with discoveries and personal connections. From interviewing relatives and exploring online databases to visiting local archives and networking with fellow researchers, every step of the way offers a chance to learn more about where you come from. Embrace the journey with curiosity and enthusiasm, and enjoy every moment of uncovering your family's past.
Happy researching!
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