ROOT & GENEALOGYThe connections that span generationsFind the place of departure and arrival first. Borders, place names and administrations change: identify the jurisdiction at the date of the event.
The right repository depends on the place and authority at the event date. Municipality, parish and district can cover different areas. Identify the place before expanding surname searches.
Read the guide ↗Link departure and arrival records through relatives, exact place, dates or occupation. Keep a place record and timeline to follow jurisdiction changes.
Reconstruct migration by linking departure, transit and settlement events. One passenger list is not enough to identify a person.
Read the guide ↗A surname does not establish geographical origin or kinship. Its spelling can change with the clerk, language and period.
Read the guide ↗Arrival, residence and naturalization are separate events. Start with the country, address and period of proceedings; settlement alone does not establish naturalization.
Read the guide ↗A map locates places, routes and territories at a particular time. It informs archival research but alone cannot prove a family occupied a house or plot.
Read the guide ↗A passenger list documents a recorded journey. It becomes useful when connected to established places and relatives.
Read the guide ↗An Australian electoral roll helps trace a registered person’s address at a given date. It does not list all residents or all household members. National Library of Australia guidance explains collections and territorial searching.
Read the guide ↗