Faq

The outputs of any projects are agreed in the scoping stage, and could include: a research report which records the process and findings; copies of any documents found; a family tree chart if it is relevant to the research question; and/or a GEDCOM file (if you use a family tree software program). Citations are provided which will allow you or others to find and analyse the sources of information yourself if required. Reports and charts can be provided in both digital and/or printed formats.

Start with yourself and work backwards slowly and methodically. Get a piece of paper and pen, and write down everything you know about yourself, your siblings and your parents first. Write down full names, dates of births/marriages/deaths and the places they occurred. Then go up the tree to record your grandparents' details, and (if you can) your great-grandparents. This process will quickly show where the gaps are, and you can start your research there. Talk to all your relatives, especially the older ones, as they may be able to fill some of those gaps. Keep notes of every conversation.

Let me answer that one with another question - how long is a piece of string? 🙂 Sometimes we hit insurmountable brick walls in our family tree research just a few generations back. Records were destroyed in wars, families were dislocated by world events, the ravages of time deteriorated records to the point they are illegible, or just don't exist. Other times, we strike gold and an ancestor links into a well-documented family with a recorded genealogy that stretches back for centuries. The only way to find out what kind of branches your own tree holds is to methodically work up each generation, ensuring you have the documentary evidence to support each next step until that branch reaches an end. Even then, the end may be temporary stop, as occasionally new record sources come to light, and a brickwall can be smashed through.

As a member of the Australasian Association of Genealogists and Record Agents (AAGRA), I agree to uphold AAGRA's Code of Ethics. You can see them on AAGRA's website.

It is certainly true that the internet has fuelled an explosion of online access to family history information and documents, however without some basic knowledge you may find that you spend a lot of time and/or money chasing down the wrong ancestors. Joining a family history society, taking some introductory classes, or seeking some professional assistance can help you avoid some of those wrong turns. There's also a vast amount of records that are not (yet) available on the internet and that's where using on-the-ground professionals in those locations to fill the gaps can help you.

You've researched your family tree and now you want to proudly display it. Family trees are meant to be shared and you can do so in ways ranging from decoratively to matter-of-factly! Beautiful family tree wallchart templates can be purchased or printed online, or you can create a simple chart within computer software. You could even hand-draw a family tree if you are a bit arty. I can assist you with all of these options.