HOW TO APPROACH YOUR RESEARCH

One essential element of family history research is the need to maintain well-organised records. As you progress with your research you will gather masses of information on people, places and events. Making a note of everything you look for will save you duplicating searches.

You will also need to think about how to keep your records. Many people these days use a specific family history computer software program and there are many reasonably priced specialist genealogy software packages available including RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker and Family Historian. 

To avoid misinformation and future research duplication, it is important to document your sources (i.e. where you found your information). You may need to review your research again and again, so you must keep the source reference information in case you need to revisit the document later for clarification purposes.  

It is essential to be able to easily identify and locate any document which you have researched and saved. That is why each document must have its own reference. The information you should note is shown below. 

SOUCE INFORMATION - Keep a note of the following information for each document you look at, even if your search was negative.

Where it was found. Name of the repository where the document was researched and found.

Date research was undertaken.

If found in the record office catalogue, note the document title and call/catalogue number.

Make a note of the extent of coverage and wheter any gaps exist or pages are out of order.

Record the type and condition. Was it the original register, micrfilm copy, transcript etc. 

Note the purpose of your search. It is unlikely that you will view the whole register if looking for a specific period.

The following is an example of the information which needs to be recorded.:

REPOSITORY: Bedfordshire County Record Office

DATE OF RESEARCH: 22 September 2022

DOCUMENT  and CALL NO: Shefford Parish baptism register PR23/6

COVERAGE: 1723 – 1764 (May) GAP 1741-1743 Sept

MEDIUM and CONDITION: Original Record – Good condition some bleed through.

PURPOSE OF SEARCH: Finding siblings of John Albon born 1743

• ESTABLISH PROOF – Visible proof gives credibility to your research.

• DETERMINE RELIABILITY – Is the information weak or strong? Do I need more proof to be sure?

• TRACK RECORDS AND RESOURCES RESEARCHED - Always keep a note of where you looked, when, who and what for.

• EXPAND RESEARCH – This particularly helpful when hitting a brick wall.

• UNDERSTANDING YOUR RESEARCH PROCESS – Try to be logical and follow your strategic plan. 

• PLACEHOLDER – Reminders of where to resume your research, what else you need.

• CONFIDENCE – If you are unsure about an answer, then look somewhere else to prove your find - or not, as the case may be! 

You will need to approach your research logically so here are some tips.

                                                                                                         RESEARCHING

                                                                  Spell names and places exactly as they are written in the record

                                                                                                           RECORDING

                                                                                        Record everything in a document

                                                                                                         INTERPRETING

                                                                                              Use information to continue

• Always plan in advance.

• Phone and make an appointment and check opening hours on the day you intend to visit.

• Use the online catalogue, read the research guides.

• Free to visit, but what do they charge for photocopying, printouts, research services and photography permits.

• Take all your notes and working pedigree with you.

• You will have to show proof of identity, which should also include your name and address. 

• If you have a reader's ticket, remember to take it with you.

• if you don't have a reader's ticket visit :https://www.archivescard.com/ARAHUB/About/Card_Guidelines.aspx

• Book a microfilm reader if the record you want is on film or fiche.

• Tell the archive if you intend to use a laptop for your research.

• Order documents in advance if you can; this saves time.

• Find out about parking, eating and disabled facilities (if applicable).

It is a good idea to go equipped for research. Remember to put these items in your bag.

• Research plan - This will jog your memory as to which line you are working on and what you are looking for at the record office.

• Notebook or laptop

• Pencil (without erasers attached) - Pens are not allowed in record offices, especially when using original documents.

• Magnifying sheet or glass - This helps when reading old documents, some of which may be faded.

• Digital camera - Most record offices allow you to phototgraph documents for personal study, but there may be a charge.

• Reader's tickets

• Coins for locker and copies - Personal items are kept in a locker and you will have to pay for an photocopies.

Tackling family history research for the first time can be a daunting prospect for anyone, but even more so for beginners.  But seasoned researchers and family historians will tell you it’s so worthwhile. It’s like doing a jigsaw puzzle - you need to sort out all the pieces first, find the straight edges and the four corner bits and make the frame of your picture. So it is with family history; write down what you know and then create a rough working pedigree. This will reveal what you don’t know – and need to find out! That will be the basis of your plan of action!

There are three other points to mention which might help. Visit your local library and spend some time browsing in the family history and genealogy section. If you see a book you really like and think will be helpful, you could borrow it. Family History Books publishes many books on genealogy – in fact Anthony Trice’s new book How to Discover Your Family History - using free resources would be a good place to start!  

There are two British commercial companies which publish their own family history magazines – Family Tree is one and the other is Who Do You Think You Are? The library might also have copies. You could treat yourself to one to give you some ideas. Another excellent idea would be to consider joining a local family history society in the area where your ancestors lived. They might hold more specific information relating to your research and their expertise can also point you in the right direction. They will usually be a very friendly bunch of folk, all with the same exciting absorbing hobby. Why not join them!