New to family history? Start here. Family History 101 is your beginner-friendly guide to building a family tree, understanding key records, and learning essential research skills for tracing UK, Scottish, and Irish ancestry. Supportive, simple help written for those just starting out.
If you’re researching Scottish ancestors from before 1855, parish records will likely be your best (and sometimes only) source of information. But what exactly is a parish record, and what … What’s in a Scottish parish record? A beginner’s guideRead more
Every family history researcher hits a frustrating point when a record, a person, or an entire branch of the family tree seems to vanish without explanation. You’ve checked the census, … What is a ‘brick wall’ in genealogy and how to break through itRead more
When you’re just getting started with family history, it can feel like you’re learning a whole new language. Census returns, BMD indexes, parish records – it’s easy to get overwhelmed. … Beginner’s genealogy glossary: 25 terms you should knowRead more
If you’ve ever searched the census and noticed a missing ancestor, or discovered one listed in an unexpected place, you might have come across a prison record without even realising … Was your ancestor in prison? How to spot it in the censusRead more
This beginner’s guide is your friendly roadmap to the world of genealogy. It gives you a big-picture overview of how to begin your family tree search, with helpful links to … Start your family tree: a beginner’s roadmapRead more
If you’re just starting out in family history, chances are you’ve already fallen down a few rabbit holes. One minute you’re searching for your great-grandfather’s birth record and the next … A research log can help make sense of your genealogyRead more
Why do people get into family history research? For some, it’s a dusty photograph in a box or a family rumour passed down through generations. Whatever the reason, once you … 10 reasons to start researching your family historyRead more
If you’ve started tracing your Scottish ancestors, you’ll quickly come across census records. And while all census years are helpful, the 1901 Scottish census holds a special charm. It gives … The 1901 Scottish census: a window into everyday lifeRead more
If you’ve ever been told, “You’ve got Irish blood,” and found yourself wondering how true that really is, you’re not alone. For millions of Americans, Irish ancestry is part of … Am I really Irish? A friendly guide for the curious AmericanRead more
How to get the most from Scotland’s People without spending a penny (yet) If you’re just getting started with Scottish family history, chances are you’ve heard of Scotland’s People. It’s … Scotland’s People on a budget: free ways to use a paid siteRead more
