Start your genealogy journey with confidence. These beginner-friendly articles offer step-by-step advice, simple explanations, and practical resources tailored for those new to family history.
One of the easiest and most meaningful ways to start your family history journey is to simply have a conversation. Talking to a parent, grandparent, or older relative can uncover … Family history interviews: questions and tips to help your storytelling and researchRead more
If you’re tracing your Scottish ancestors, one of the best places to start is with BMD records, that’s short for births, marriages, and deaths. These official records offer the key … A guide to Scottish BMD recordsRead more
If you’ve dipped your toes into Scottish family history, you may already know that census records are goldmines of information. But the 1911 Scottish census is a little different. It’s … The 1911 Scottish census: a closer look at your ancestors’ livesRead more
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
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
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
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
A beginner’s guide for curious Americans Your aunt says you’re Scottish.Your cousin swears your great-great-grandpa wore a kilt.You love whisky and cried during Braveheart.And now you’re wondering: “Am I actually … Am I actually Scottish?Read more
