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Family History 101

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.


A research log can help make sense of your genealogy
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  • Family History 101

A research log can help make sense of your genealogy

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

10 reasons to start researching your family history
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  • Family History 101

10 reasons to start researching your family history

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

The 1901 Scottish census: a window into everyday life
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  • Scotland
  • Family History 101

The 1901 Scottish census: a window into everyday life

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

Am I really Irish? A friendly guide for the curious American
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  • Ireland
  • Family History 101

Am I really Irish? A friendly guide for the curious American

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

Scotland’s People on a budget: free ways to use a paid site
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  • Scotland
  • Family History 101

Scotland’s People on a budget: free ways to use a paid site

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

Start with what you know: The easiest way to begin your family tree
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  • Family History 101

Start with what you know: The easiest way to begin your family tree

So you want to build a family tree? Well you’re officially a budding genealogist. But before you go signing up for twenty different genealogy sites or diving into census records … Start with what you know: The easiest way to begin your family treeRead more

What even is Genealogy?
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  • Family History 101

What even is Genealogy?

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself thinking:“I wish I knew more about where I came from … but I have no idea where to start.” That question, … What even is Genealogy?Read more

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Recent articles

  • Unearthing Scotland’s hidden history of servitude
  • Family history interviews: questions and tips to help your storytelling and research
  • Understanding Scottish and Irish maiden names
  • Why are my ancestors not in a census
  • A guide to Scottish BMD records

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Beginner-friendly blog helping people trace their Scottish, Irish, and UK ancestry. No jargon, just real help from someone learning as they go.
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Latest articles

  • Unearthing Scotland’s hidden history of servitude
  • Family history interviews: questions and tips to help your storytelling and research
  • Understanding Scottish and Irish maiden names
  • Why are my ancestors not in a census
  • A guide to Scottish BMD records
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