Ancestry Research

What Is Family History Research?

2023-04-25T18:20:00.008+00:00

What Is Family History Research?

Family history research is an exploration of the past to uncover stories that have been hidden for generations. It's more than just tracing your lineage back to a distant relative; it's about understanding where you come from and how your family has shaped who you are today. In this article, we'll delve into what family history research entails, why it matters, and how anyone can embark on their own journey of discovery.

To begin with, our families hold a wealth of information about our ancestors - their origins, struggles, triumphs and even secrets. By exploring these stories through documents like census records, birth certificates or military service files, we can piece together a puzzle that reveals important insights not only about our individual lives but also about the larger society in which they lived. Moreover, by learning about our forebears' experiences and resilience in overcoming challenges such as discrimination or poverty, we can gain valuable lessons that help us navigate our own obstacles today. Family history research is thus both a fascinating intellectual pursuit and an empowering tool for personal growth. So if you're curious about your roots and eager to discover the stories behind them, read on!

What Is Genealogy?

Did you know that over 50% of Americans are interested in tracing their family roots? It's no wonder why. Genealogy research, also known as family history research, allows us to uncover our family story and gain a deeper understanding of who we are and where we come from.

For many people, the desire to trace their family roots stems from a need for connection. In today's fast-paced world, it can be easy to feel disconnected and isolated. But by exploring our family history, we can find a sense of belonging and community. We can discover ancestors who faced challenges similar to ours or learn about traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Genealogy research is more than just finding names and dates on a family tree. It's an opportunity to explore the lives of those who came before us – their triumphs, struggles, and everything in between. By delving into our family roots, we can gain insights into our own personalities, traits, and behaviors that may have been passed down through the generations.

Ultimately, genealogy research is about discovering our place in the world – both past and present. Through this exploration of our family history, we can better understand ourselves and our connections to others around us. So let's dive deep into the fascinating world of family history research and unlock the secrets of our ancestors together!

The Importance Of Family History Research

The importance of family history research cannot be overstated. It is through understanding our ancestors that we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. By exploring our past, we can uncover hidden stories, learn about long-forgotten traditions, and connect with distant relatives.

At its core, family history research is an act of reclaiming agency. For many people, particularly those who have been historically marginalized or oppressed, genealogy represents an opportunity to assert their own narrative and push back against dominant cultural narratives. By learning about where we come from, we are better equipped to navigate the present and shape the future.

But beyond personal empowerment, there are practical benefits to researching one's family tree as well. Medical histories can reveal important information about inherited conditions; legal records may help solve longstanding mysteries related to property ownership or citizenship status; even simple anecdotes passed down through generations can offer insight into cultural norms and values.

In short, family history research offers something for everyone - whether you're interested in tracing your roots out of curiosity or seeking answers to pressing questions about identity and heritage. But where do you begin? How do you start piecing together a puzzle that spans centuries and continents? The next section will provide some tips for getting started on your journey towards discovering your ancestry.

Getting Started With Family History Research

Are you curious about your family's past? Do you wonder where your ancestors came from and what they did for a living? If so, then family history research may be just the thing for you. It is an exciting journey that can lead to discoveries about yourself and your heritage.

Getting started with family history research can seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn't have to be. The key is to start small and build up gradually. Begin by talking to relatives, gathering information about their lives and memories of those who came before them. You never know what stories or secrets might emerge!

Next, turn to online resources such as genealogy websites and social media groups dedicated to tracing family trees. These platforms offer access to historical records, photos, and even DNA testing services that can help connect you with distant relatives around the world.

Finally, consider visiting local libraries, archives or historical societies in person. Here, you can explore original documents like birth certificates, census records, military service records and more - all of which hold valuable clues about your ancestors' lives.

Tracing your ancestry through records takes patience and persistence but is ultimately rewarding when pieces of the puzzle begin falling into place. In the next section we'll delve deeper into this process and provide tips on how to navigate these resources effectively.

Tracing Your Ancestry Through Records

As we begin our journey into family history research, it is important to understand what this entails. Simply put, family history research involves tracing your ancestry and piecing together the stories of your ancestors' lives. It can be a fascinating process that uncovers hidden gems about your family's past.

One of the key components of family history research is utilizing records to trace your lineage. This can involve scouring through various documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, wills, census records and more. These records not only provide valuable information on names, dates and locations but also offer an insight into the social and economic conditions during different periods in history.

While conducting research using these records may seem daunting at first, there are resources available to help guide you through the process. For instance, many libraries have genealogy sections with access to online databases and other tools that can assist you in finding relevant information. Additionally, there are numerous websites dedicated solely to helping individuals trace their ancestry.

It's worth noting that while record-keeping has improved over time, some historical events resulted in significant loss or destruction of vital records. Therefore it may become necessary for researchers to explore alternative methods when traditional sources prove fruitless. One such method being utilized today is DNA testing which offers a new tool for genealogists looking to uncover their roots.

Types of Records:

Vital Records
Birth Certificates
Marriage Licenses
Death Certificates
Census Records
Federal Census Records
Military Records
Draft Registration Cards

Resources Available:

Libraries & Archives
Online Databases (Ancestry.com)
Family History Centers

Utilizing Dna Testing For Genealogy

DNA testing provides another means by which people can learn about their family histories. Through analyzing genetic material from saliva samples or cheek swabs, scientists can determine familial relationships between individuals. This method of tracing ancestry is particularly useful when traditional record-keeping methods have failed. Additionally, DNA testing can help people discover new relatives they may not have known existed.

With the increasing accessibility and affordability of DNA testing, it has become more prevalent among those interested in genealogy. While this type of research does come with some limitations (such as privacy concerns), it opens up another avenue for exploring one's family history. In the next section, we will delve deeper into how to utilize DNA testing for genealogy purposes.

DNA testing has revolutionized genealogy research, providing a new avenue for individuals to uncover their family history. With the introduction of home DNA kits from companies such as AncestryDNA and 23andMe, tracing one's lineage has become more accessible than ever before.

By analyzing an individual's DNA sample, these tests can reveal information about their ethnicity, geographic origins, and potential familial relationships with others who have taken the same test. The results may provide insight into long-lost relatives or unexpected connections that were previously unknown.

While DNA testing is not always foolproof and should be used in conjunction with traditional genealogical methods, it can often serve as a helpful tool in breaking down brick walls and discovering new leads. It is important to remember that many factors contribute to genetic inheritance and results may vary among siblings or other family members.

Below is an example of how DNA matches might appear in a table format:

| Name | Relationship | Shared Centimorgans (cM) |

|------|--------------|-------------------------|

| John Smith | Second Cousin | 268 cM |

| Jane Doe | First Cousin Once Removed | 136 cM |

| Tom Jones | Half Sibling | 1,754 cM |

Overall, utilizing DNA testing as part of your family history research can lead to exciting discoveries and help you connect with distant relatives. However, it is important to approach the results with caution and continue to verify information through multiple sources.

Overcoming Challenges In Family History Research

It's no secret that family history research can be a challenging task. The process of tracing one's ancestry requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to overcome obstacles. One major challenge is the lack of available information. Records may have been lost or destroyed over time, making it difficult to piece together a complete family tree.

Another obstacle is navigating through incomplete or inaccurate records. Census data, birth certificates, and marriage licenses often contain errors or omissions that require careful analysis and cross-referencing with other sources. Additionally, language barriers can make it difficult to access foreign documents and decipher handwriting from different eras.

Despite these challenges, there are ways to overcome them and uncover your family's history. Utilizing online resources such as genealogy websites and DNA testing services can provide valuable insights into familial connections and ancestral origins. Collaborating with other researchers or seeking out professional assistance can also help fill in gaps in your knowledge.

Ultimately, persevering through the difficulties of family history research can yield rewarding results for both you and future generations. By discovering your heritage and sharing those stories with others, you not only honor your ancestors but also contribute to preserving cultural history for years to come.

Sharing And Preserving Your Family's History

As we've discussed, family history research can be a challenging endeavor. But the rewards of uncovering your ancestors' stories and understanding their lives make it an incredibly worthwhile pursuit. So, what exactly is family history research? It involves tracing your lineage through genealogical records like birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, and military documents to build a more complete picture of your family's past.

One of the most significant challenges in this type of research is navigating the vast amount of information available online. With so many resources at our fingertips, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin or how to parse out reliable information from erroneous sources. Additionally, some families may have missing or incomplete records due to factors such as natural disasters or political upheaval that destroyed local archives.

Despite these obstacles, there are ways to overcome them and successfully conduct thorough family history research. Some tips include starting with what you already know about your relatives and working backward in time; collaborating with other researchers who share similar interests or areas of expertise; and being prepared for unexpected discoveries that may challenge preconceived notions about your familial heritage.

In conclusion, sharing and preserving your family's history is just as important as discovering it. Once you've compiled all this valuable information on your ancestors, consider how best to keep it alive for future generations. This could mean creating a physical scrapbook filled with photographs and written accounts of their lives or digitizing everything into an easily accessible database that can be shared among extended family members. No matter which approach you take, remember that keeping our collective histories alive allows us to celebrate the diversity of human experience while also honoring those who came before us.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Find Out If My Ancestors Were Famous Or Accomplished Individuals?

Looking to find out if your ancestors were famous or accomplished individuals? Well, buckle up because I have some exciting news for you! With the power of family history research, you can uncover a treasure trove of information about your lineage. From historical figures to everyday heroes, there's no limit to what you might discover. So why not take a journey through time and explore the fascinating stories of your ancestors? Who knows, maybe you'll even uncover a few hidden gems that will leave you in awe of your own family tree. The possibilities are endless when it comes to delving into the past and discovering the incredible people who came before us.

Are There Any Resources Specifically For Tracing Native American Ancestry?

Looking to trace your Native American ancestry? The good news is that there are many resources available for those seeking to connect with their Indigenous roots. One great place to start is the National Archives and Records Administration, which holds a wealth of information on tribal histories, treaties, census records, and other important documents. Additionally, several organizations such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Native American Rights Fund offer helpful guides and assistance for genealogical research. With some persistence and dedication, you can uncover unique insights into your family's history and honor your ancestors' legacy in new ways.

How Do I Navigate Language Barriers When Researching International Ancestors?

As we delve into the depths of our ancestry, we may encounter language barriers when researching international ancestors. But fear not! The key to overcoming these obstacles is persistence and resourcefulness. Use online translation tools or seek out local historians who can assist you in navigating foreign records. Remember, "where there's a will, there's a way." So stay determined and keep digging - your family history is waiting to be discovered. As Henry Louis Gates, Jr. once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." And what better way to serve ourselves than by uncovering the stories of those who came before us? Through this journey, we not only honor our ancestors but also gain a deeper understanding of our own identities and place in the world.

Can I Access Adoption Records To Trace My Biological Family's History?

Can you access adoption records to trace your biological family's history? The answer is not always straightforward. Laws regarding adoption and access to adoption records vary by state and country, and some may have strict regulations on who can access this information. However, there are resources available that can help adoptees in their search for biological family members, such as support groups, DNA testing kits, and specialized search firms. It may take time and persistence, but with the right tools and support system, it is possible to uncover one's familial roots and gain a deeper understanding of their personal history.

What Are Some Ethical Considerations To Keep In Mind When Conducting Family History Research?

Conducting family history research can be like peeling back the layers of an onion, revealing new insights and connections with each layer. However, it is important to keep ethical considerations in mind when delving into this personal and sensitive information. As Henry Louis Gates, Jr. would say, "We must approach our ancestors with compassion and respect for their stories." This means being mindful of privacy concerns, potential emotional reactions or traumas that may arise from uncovering certain information, and understanding the importance of consent when sharing or publishing findings. Ultimately, while the desire to know one's family history is understandable, we must balance this curiosity with a responsibility to handle such information ethically and respectfully.

Conclusion

In conclusion, family history research can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. It allows us to connect with our past and gain a deeper understanding of where we come from. According to a recent survey conducted by Ancestry.com, over 50% of Americans are interested in researching their family history.

However, it's important to keep in mind the ethical considerations involved in this process. We must respect the privacy and dignity of our ancestors as well as any living relatives who may be affected by our discoveries. By using resources such as ancestry websites, genealogy libraries, and DNA testing services, we can uncover valuable information about our heritage and create a meaningful legacy for future generations. As Henry Louis Gates, Jr. once said, "The study of genealogy is the pursuit of one's own identity."

Where to find useful websites for researching your family history

2021-05-06T13:10:00.002+00:00

Introduction to useful sites for family history research

So, you are researching your family history! You may be a newcomer to the hobby or you may have already made great progress. One thing is for sure, all of us doing family history research need good sources of information. These days we have the wonderful world wide web and numerous online sources that can prove very useful in our research.

Of course, you can cough up a monthly or annual subscription to one of the paid Family History sites such as Ancestry, MyHeritage and FindMyPast (there are several others too). I have used several of these over the years and currently MyHeritage is the one I subscribe too though I have free accounts on others (limited features of course but still useful).

However, this post is not about which paid site you should go for (that's a whole topic in and of itself) - maybe the next one). Instead this is to share some of the free sites that I have found useful.

First up is Historic UK

Historic UK is a basically a site of two halves. The first is the Historic Accommodation Guide and the second is the History Magazine. The site started in 2000 and was something of a trailblazer. Think about it, the site is over 20 years old and if you can cast your minds back then, the internet and the world wide web were in their infancy. Web design was, let's be honest, not pretty or easy on the eyes!

Now, with over a million page views a month, the site is something of a goldmine and an authority on the topics it covers. It also has some fascinating articles about historical events and people so even if you are at all interested in history (and not just family history) it is well worth a visit and bookmarking for future visits.

In terms of researching your family history it has excellent articles and links on topics such as:

How to Trace Your Family Tree for Free
The History of Welsh Surnames
Newspaper Archives

So, why not check it out and sign up for its newsletter? You will be glad you did. Find the Family History section here: https://www.historic-uk.com/Family-History/

Second up is GENUKI

GENUKI is a site that provides genealogical information relevant to the UK and Ireland. It not only includes a vast repository of information on topics such as tips for those starting out and about the various parts of the UK and Ireland, but has links to useful things like online parish records (though not all parish records are on the site so your area of interest may not be included).

Particularly useful areas of interest covered are:

GENUKI Gazetteer
GENUKI Church Database
Surname Interests Lists
Genealogy Discussion Groups
Societies
This site has got to be at the top of your list, especially if you are just starting out. The amount of information there is will prove to be extremely useful and by starting here you will often save time compared to searching via Google.

To start your journey researching your family history visit:
https://www.genuki.org.uk/

Third up is The National Library of New Zealand

Many of us from the UK and Ireland discover that we have links to Australia and New Zealand. If you want to know if you have any links to New Zealand (or if you know you have but are searching for more information) then you need to start with the National Library of New Zealand. The Government of New Zealand seem to get many things right and one of them is that they have put many records online. Even if some information was not able to be digitised (such as personal diaries or letters) you can more often and not find exactly where it is stored and how to be able to access it. Of course this may mean going in person to the archive to view it (once you have permission) but of you ever visit New Zealand this is something to bear in mind.

I have found that a lot of interesting stuff has been digitised including letters and especially newspapers. In fact I believe every newspaper that was ever printed in New Zealand has been digitised. I know for a fact that the very first newspapers published soon after settlers arrived are available online. How do I know this, because it turns out that a direct ancestor of my wife was in fact the first editor of the first newspaper to be published in New Zealand; the New Zealand Gazette! His name was John Tylston Wicksteed and he arrived in New Zealand in 1841 aboard the sailing vessel London.

John Tylston Wicksteed

So, if you think you may have ancestors from New Zealand or want to dig deeper into the lives of those you know you have, why not start your journey of discovery by visiting the National Library of New Zealand at https://natlib.govt.nz/

So, that concludes the first part of my series looking at useful websites for conducting your family history research. I hope you find it useful. Please bookmark my site and return for future posts. I promise it won't be such a long gap before the next one!

Introduction

2020-07-31T20:10:00.000+00:00

Landguard Point Fort, Felixstowe

Welcome to my blog about researching your ancestry (family history). I hope to post information that will be of use to anyone researching their family history. As I live in Essex (UK) I will be mainly posting about Essex-related matters but I am originally from Lancashire, with family roots going back to Yorkshire as well. So, I intend to include information related to those areas too.

As a big fan of computers and the internet I will post about software and sites too that will be useful to anyone searching for more information about the ancestors.

Another interest of mine is photography and we all like to have photos of our ancestors. I sometimes buy old postcards and have a small collection of photographs of people unrelated to myself (as far as I know anyway) and will be posting some of these on the site too.

FamilySearch.Org - free family history search

2011-04-22T13:52:00.000+00:00

Image by paparutzi via FlickrFamilySearch.Org is a website provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

You can search your family history for free and as FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organisation in the world there are plenty of records for you to explore. Every day millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history. They have been collating data now for over 100 years, You can also use any of over 4,500 family history centers in 70 countries to do your research, though many find the web a convenient way to do their research.

Check out their site at FamilySearch

BBC Online Resources

2010-12-24T11:58:00.003+00:00

The BBC often has programs on Family History (such as Who Do You Think You Are?). What a lot of folk don't realise is that they have plenty of online resources for anyone researching heir family history.

Why not pop along and check out the site now and find topics such as:

DNA Research and Family History

2010-11-26T22:25:00.001+00:00

Image via Wikipedia

Most of us are happy to discover something about our grand-parents and great-grandparents when researching our family history. When we start to dig deeper in our family history we would probably be over the moon if we discovered details of our family history as far back as the 16th century or even the 15th century. One reason for this is the difficulty of research this far back, with the types of records being available not one you can easily gain access to and also due to the relative paucity of records prior to the early 1800's. Parish records can go back quite a way before this of course but unless you are related to the aristocracy or royalty, chances are the will be few records available for your ancestors.

So, how would you feel about tracing your ancestors back 40,000 years? Impossible, you may think. Well, think again. With advances in DNA research it's becoming more common everyday for genetic lines to be followed back further in history. Even Ancestry.com offers a DNA testing service. It's Paternal and Maternal DNA Lineage tests provide you with your ancient ancestry (haplogroup) and your own collection of genetic markers which can be used to connect with genetic cousins.

Who knows, you may find out your are descended from Ghengis Khan!

Genealogy Research Tools Online

2010-09-30T15:19:00.002+00:00

Image via CrunchBase

Isn't the web amazing! There is so much stuff out there and new web sites and pages are being added every day by the thousands. According to Netcraft.com, there are over 227 million websites in the world and in September so far another 14 million were added to world wide web.

So, chances are that some of those are about genealogy and indeed, a Google search for 'genealogy' produces almost 43 million hits. Its no surprise then that you will find excellent resources online to help you with your genealogical research. One such site is http://www.geneasearch.com/ Although the look of the site is fairly basic, its very functional and so its relatively easy to navigate. Her's what they say about themselves:

"Looking for free genealogy look ups, tips, databases, free searches, photos, links, family newsletters, genealogy freebies, biographies, beginners, and much more to help find your ancestors and surnames? Genealogy research can be greatly enhanced by utilizing the wide variety of tools on our network."

A lot of the information is related to the U.S.A. but nevertheless, if you are researching a link there then it will prove useful and the information appears to be totally free. One useful free resource is information on Family Newsletters. So, if you are researching the family name of 'Avery' you will find a link to the Avery memorial Association and their newsletter. Apparently they are for those who can trace their ancestry back to a Capt. James Avery. He was an early settler from England around 1642 and settled in Glocester, M.A.

Other family newsletters include Ballards, Baileys, Disney (yes that Disney!) and Estelle. There are many more so it definitley worth checking the site out to see if the family name you are interested in is listed.

The site also has links to various sites for those interested in particular US States, including info on databases and offline research resources. I guess if you are planning a trip to the States then this would be a good place to do some preparatory research.

Other parts of the site cover Military Rosters, Societies, Surname Searches and Lost female Ancestors. All in all, an excellent site with lots of useful information and many links to other sites.

Free online resources for family history research

2010-09-24T17:30:00.000+00:00

Image via Wikipedia

There are a wealth of free resources online used by genealogists - here is a small selection:

www.freebmd.org.uk for some birth, marriage and death records in England and Wales.
www.familysearch.org for selected parish records.
www.rootsweb.com for genealogy chat and all kinds of relevant information.

Remember that none of these is going to hold all of the records that you want.Also, at some stage you will eventually need to pay for some things such as birth, marriage and death certificates. Most people use computer software to hold their family tree details and produce nice looking charts. In a forthcoming post I will look at some of the software packages available.
In the meantime, why not check out the three sites above as they are an excellent place to start.

Ancestry Research on offer!

2010-09-24T17:21:00.000+00:00

Image via Wikipedia

Colchester has an excellent library and has excellent resources for anyone researching heir family history. If you are unable to visit Colchester and would like me to do research on your behalf I can provide this service at a very reasonable rate of £15/hr. If you wish me to travel to locations in Essex for the purpose of taking photographs and doing research 'in the field' then there would be an additional charge of 45p/mile.

I would then email and post to you anywhere in the world free of charge any materials and photographs I had gathered together.

If you are interested in this service please email initially at "s.daleATntlworld.com"

Steven

1911 Census Records available online

2010-09-16T20:17:00.000+00:00

Image via Wikipedia

The 1911 census is a record of everyone who lived in England and Wales in 1911. It provides a unique snapshot of the lives of your ancestors. www.1911census.co.uk brings this vast resource to you online, so that you can search the census simply and quickly to discover how your family lived in the past.

www.1911census.co.uk is the official census website, in association with The National Archives. You can now subscribe to the 1911 census on the site www.findmypast.co.uk .

The 1911 census is complete

The 1911 census is complete – all remaining records have been added, and so have the RG78 enumerator’s summary book pages. Records for the Islands of Alderney, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey and Sark, troops stationed in overseas military bases, and crew serving on Royal Navy ships are now ready for you to search.

Find Britain’s soldiers and sailors all over the globe

In 1911 the British Empire was nearing the peak of its powers. The empire, which was the largest in history, spanned much of the globe, and the overseas military records from the 1911 census – which include both military establishments and Royal Navy ships overseas – reflect this. Soldiers can be found in such disparate locations as Cyprus, Hong Kong, Malta, India and South Africa, as well as in other places not within the empire, such as Alexandria in Egypt and Tientsin in China.

View the enumerator’s summary-book pages at no extra cost

The pages from the enumerator’s summary books, which are now available for the entire census, can add depth to your 1911 census research. The summary books are a combination of descriptive and statistical information from the district. The information to be found in the List and the District description are probably of most interest to the family historian and can give you an overall picture of your ancestor’s neighbourhood and its character.

The Enumerator’s summary pages are included in the cost of viewing an image. If you’ve already viewed 1911 census images, you can now view the corresponding summary-book pages at no extra cost.

The reason there is a cost to downloading documents is that the 1991 Census database is much larger than earlier ones and so the National Archives collaborated with its commercial partners to make it possible for us to be able to access the vast number of records it contains.

Comments welcomed but spammers beware!

2010-08-05T20:43:00.001+00:00

Image via Wikipedia

It is always pleasing when someone takes the time to write a comment on one's postings. When this happens the comments are always moderated and if they are decent, in English and make sense they are likely to be published. However, any comments that have links to other sites are always checked out first and if found to be links to sites containing spyware, trojans, offensive material or spam they will not be accepted. I may even, in certain circumstances, report the commentator to Google and in extreme circumstances (links to pornographic or racist sites for example) report them to the authorities.

Sadly, the vast majority of comments these days on all blogs are not suitable for publishing. However, please don't let that put you off if you are a genuine commentator. I check each comment and make my mind up by first reading the comment and checking any links it contains, so if you have something worth saying then it may very well be published!

Family Tree Maker Review

2010-08-05T16:26:00.001+00:00

Cottage in Caton in Littledale where my ancestors the Becks lived

I am a Mac user and though there are some very good Family History programs for the Mac, I was attracted by Family Tree Maker 2010 for several reasons.

It included a 6-month ancestry.co.uk Essentials Membership as part of the package - a fantastic deal and saving over £65!
It's advertised as the No. 1 selling family history software
It's a UK version
It came with various other deals including 25% off MyCanvas Printed Books and Posters
Savings on Arrowfile Genealogy Albums and Acid Free Archival Pages, worth up to £44
It comes with the trusted Ancestry.co.uk branding - hence the free 6-months membership. As I already had a membership with them that had lapsed and was ready to edit my family tree again and see what new leads they had discovered this was what sealed the deal for me.

So, it was with great anticipation that I installed the software on my Mac - using Parallels Desktop to run it in Windows XP. That's the great thing about Macs since Apple decided to drop Motorola for its CPU architecture and go with industry-standard Intel Processors, you can run Mac OS X and Windows on the same laptop!

First experiences with the software were favourable, apart from from one or two issues relating to the GUI - more Windows than Mac but then it is a Windows program and not a Mac one that runs native but has not migrated across with the look and feel of Windows, as happens with a lot of programs that have started off on Windows.

However, as I am confident with Windows, being long-term user of both platforms, even today, this was no problem. I soon had the software interfacing with my ancestry family tree and had my files synchronised - very handy. One important point to note here - you must be the owner of the family tree on ancestry. If you only have permission to view or share the tree you won't be able to download it into the software. You could, in this situation, ask the owner to send you a GEDCOM of it so you can import that into the software.

You can purchase your copy of Family Tree Maker from our partners at Avanquest

Features of Family Tree Maker 2010:

New tools and charts
Better organisation of photos and other media
Slideshows facility using images in your tree
Family books made from your tree to share with others
Standard templates for source material
Relationship tree showing your relationship to everyone else in your tree
Extended family birthday calendars
Scan images directly into your tree
Show family migration paths over time
Works with Windows XP/Vista/7
UK version
Interactive maps and timelines highlighting events and places in your ancestor's lives

These are just the highlights. All in all, its easy to see how its become the No. 1 seller!

In future posts I hope to share screenshots and tips for making the most of the software.

Colchester Castle

2010-07-31T20:47:00.000+00:00

Image via Wikipedia

Colchester is where we have lived now for 13 years now, though I lived in Norwich before for about 2 years, before which I lived in Hackney, London for 10 years and originally I am from Lancashire.

Colchester is Britain's oldest recorded town and it has a lot of history to it, much of it evident in the surrounding buildings etc. In particular, it has an extensive Roman wall and a Norman Castle (actually its just the Keep - the largest in Europe) as well as Dutch Quarter and evidence locally of the Celts in a network of defensive dykes.

So there is plenty to see if you are visiting Colchester and in particular the Castle is where most visitors end up, but fortunately they are let out of the dungeons at the end of their tour!

A brief history of the Castle:

The Castle is located just off the town's main high street in a lovely park with remains of the Roman walls still evident. Here is what the Castle Museum says about the Castle:

Colchester was the first capital of Roman Britain and beneath the Castle are the remains of the most famous Roman buildings, the Temple of Claudius. Today if you lay your hand on the stonework of the temple it can be said that you are touching the very foundation of Roman Britain.

To Romans the temple was a symbol of their power and success, but to the native Britons it was a symbol of oppression. The temple became a main target of the rebels led by Queen Boudica who attacked the Roman town of Colchester in AD 60. The town's citizens barricaded themselves into the temple but after two days they were all killed.

It is estimated that up to 30,000 people could have been killed during the sacking of Colchester. After the revolt was suppressed the town and its magnificent temple were rebuilt.

Around 1076 William I ordered a royal fortress to be built at Colchester. The great stone base of the ruined Roman temple was an obvious foundation for the central tower, or keep, of the castle.

The huge size of the temple meant that the keep of Colchester Castle was the largest ever built in Britain and is the largest surviving example in Europe. For most of its life the Castle was used as a prison. One of the most infamous episodes in its history occurred in 1645 when Matthew Hopkins, the self-styled Witch-finder General, used the Castle to imprison and interrogate suspected witches.

The Castle first opened to the public as a museum in 1860. Today it is still a living vibrant place.
It is not only the town's flagship museum, but it is also in a real sense a symbol of Colchester, Britain's oldest recorded town.

So, as you can see, the Castle has quite a fascinating history and that is only a taster. You can't beat an actual visit and I highly recommend you do visit at least once, if possible. If you are not able to at least be sure to visit the museum's website and take the virtual tour at http://www.colchestermuseums.org.uk/castle/castle_vr.html

Ancestry Research

What Is Family History Research?

What Is Family History Research?

What Is Genealogy?

The Importance Of Family History Research

Getting Started With Family History Research

Tracing Your Ancestry Through Records

Types of Records:

Resources Available:

Utilizing Dna Testing For Genealogy

Overcoming Challenges In Family History Research

Sharing And Preserving Your Family's History

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Find Out If My Ancestors Were Famous Or Accomplished Individuals?

Are There Any Resources Specifically For Tracing Native American Ancestry?

How Do I Navigate Language Barriers When Researching International Ancestors?

Can I Access Adoption Records To Trace My Biological Family's History?

What Are Some Ethical Considerations To Keep In Mind When Conducting Family History Research?

Conclusion

Where to find useful websites for researching your family history

Introduction to useful sites for family history research

First up is Historic UK

Second up is GENUKI

Third up is The National Library of New Zealand

Introduction

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