What you'll learn

appreciate why you are researching your family tree
understand the starting point for your research
realise the importance of record keeping
identify databases available for identifying potential ancestors, and how to use these effectively
distinguish the vital records available to help identify your ancestors
list 'what to do' and 'what not to do' in your family history research
regular monthly updates through educational announcements

Course content

7 sections • 46 lectures • 1h 55m total length

Introduction0:37
An introduction to this section.
My course tutor1:04
Check out your tutors experience, knowledge and qualifications and know you are in safe hands.
Why am I taking this course?2:03
Identify why you are taking this course and what you want to gain as a result.
Course content - an overview0:36
An overview of the content of this course.
Conclusions0:53
What we have covered in this section of the course.

Introduction0:51
An introduction to this section.
Why start discovering your ancestors?1:15
Identify what helped you decide to research your family tree and why?
The records this course is based upon0:51
The records this course is based upon.
Key principles for family history research6:44
Some basic principles to remember throughout your research.
Key principles for family history research - worked examples2:23
Some worked examples of the basic principles to remember throughout your research.
Key principles for family history research - Exercise1:18
Key principles for family history research, an exercise. Now put into practice what you have learned from my 'Key principles... - worked examples' article.
Conclusions0:51
What we have covered in this section of the course.

Introduction1:06
An introduction to this section.
The Starting Point2:30
Where do you start with your family history research?
What to record8:04
What key facts about you would be useful for family history research?
What others know6:44
What do other family members know that could be useful for your research?
Exercise: What you know1:26
Having completed the lectures/lessons; 'The starting point', 'What to record' and 'What others know' complete the following as an exercise. Also available as a download
Known to unknown0:30
Always work from the 'Known' to the 'Unknown'
'Known' to the 'Unknown' - worked example2:04
A worked example to help you appreciate the skills of working from the 'Known' to the 'Unknown'
Conclusions1:46
What we have covered in this section of the course.
The Do's and Dont's of recording1:03
Start getting into good habits with your recording fas

Introduction1:30
An introduction to this section.
What do I record?3:26
Preparing a To Do list.
Key: Always record0:45
A worked example of how to record your sources
How do I record?1:52
Some of the more common ways you could record your family history.
Common abbreviations0:21
Abbreviations are used to simplify record keeping by individuals.
The Family Tree5:15
Create a Family Tree from your research as soon as possible.
Conclusions1:45
What we have covered in this section of the course.

Introduction1:07
An introduction to this section.
Pre 1837 Records6:07
Pre 1837 records; Parish Registers
Pre 1837 records - example0:25
Pre 1837 records; Parish Registers - example
Post 1837 Records1:18
Post 1837 Records - Civil Registration.
Post 1837 records - example1:56
An example of the information contained within a civil registration certificate (birth and marriage)
How to find these records7:46
How to find Civil Registration certificates and Parish Registers.
Conclusions1:37
What we have covered in this section of the course.

Introduction0:39
An introduction to this section.
Summary6:24
A recap on the content of this course to reinforce the learning.
What to do; what not to do6:23
Make a note of what to do and what not to do in your Family History research.
Conclusions1:03
What we have covered in this section of the course.
Bonus Lecture: Next Steps...5:18
In 'Bonus Lecture: Next Steps' Robert discusses the next steps for your learning and also introduces the UK Census as a further resource for your research
Bonus: For the kids0:25
Downloadable resources for the next generation of budding genealogists

Requirements

Prior knowledge of family history research is NOT required.
An interest in your ancestors, their stories and family history research.
You may have started your research and got stuck, or be unsure how to proceed. This knowledge of what you need to learn or what you don't know is useful, but not essential.
An interest in English or Welsh Family History Records. However the techniques taught in this course will be useful for any family history research, even if you don't have English or Welsh ancestors. Regular monthly updates through educational announcements cover worldwide records

Description

This genealogy (family history) course covers tried and tested techniques that are proven to work for finding your ancestors; your genealogy. Regular, monthly updates emailed to students.

Based on English and Welsh records (parish registers and birth, marriage and death) the techniques covered within are applicable to family history research in any country. Monthly updates cover worldwide research.

This course includes video, slides, articles, top tips, exercises, handouts, templates, downloadable resources and further homework should you choose to undertake this. The course is structured into 7 sections: Start Here, Why Research Family History, How to Start, Recording Your Research, Databases and Indexes, Vital Records and a Summary. This course will take between 2 and 2.5 hours to thoroughly complete.

If you are thinking of starting research into your family history, or have just started this is the course for you. Delivered by an experienced, qualified and professional genealogist and trainer, Robert Parker will share his secrets for finding your ancestors.

What stories might your ancestors tell?

Who this course is for:

Those interested in their ancestors and their family history.
Those just starting their family history research.
Those who have just started their family history research
Those who wish to refresh their skills.
This course is probably NOT suitable for professional genealogists (Family historians) as it is an introduction course

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Start Here - Why am I taking this course, plus the course overview?5 lectures • 5min

Why research Family History?7 lectures • 14min

How to start your family history research9 lectures • 25min

Recording7 lectures • 15min

Use online databases/indexes for locating family history information5 lectures • 15min

Vital Records7 lectures • 20min

Summary6 lectures • 20min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: