First steps
Research siblings and cousins
A dead end may be resolved by researching an ancestor’s siblings. Look for records explicitly connecting people, then return to the original question.
Read the guide ↗ROOT & GENEALOGY
First steps
Begin with people you know. Collect memories, organise records and choose a specific question before entering the archives.
Suggested route
- Start your tree, one generation at a time
- Collect family memories
- Research siblings and cousins
- Write a useful archive enquiry
- Prepare an archive visit
Your expected result
Aim for a first documented relationship, a family-paper inventory and a precise research question. Use the log to retain unsuccessful searches too.
First steps
Start your tree, one generation at a time
Start with yourself and work backwards one generation at a time. Your first goal is a documented relationship, rather than a large number of ancestors.
Read the guide ↗First steps
Collect family memories
An interview preserves a voice and reveals clues absent from indexes. Prepare a few themes rather than a list of dates.
Read the guide ↗First steps
Prepare an archive visit
Plan a visit around a question and record references, rather than a name alone. Know what to request and how to record results. Check repository information shortly before travelling.
Read the guide ↗First steps
Write a useful archive enquiry
A precise enquiry helps staff identify a collection or copy. Prepare verified information before contacting the service instead of sending your entire tree.
Read the guide ↗