Getting Started is especially for those just starting to research their family tree
The Golden Rules of Genealogy

1.

ALWAYS work backwards from the known (yourself) to the unknown (forebears)

2.

NEVER believe everything on a Birth, Death or Marriage certificate

3.

NEVER completely trust the spelling of surnames, place names etc.

4.

ALWAYS check surname variants when researching

5.

ALWAYS aim to have at least 2 separate sources of proof for each event

6.

REMEMBER that everything is only speculation until verified

7.

ALWAYS photocopy certificates and important documents and leave the originals in a safe place

8.

IF a document exists, read it!

9.

DO join at least one Family History Group, Genealogical Society or Historical Society
10. SHARE your information and documentation - copies only - with others researching similar lines

 

© Australian Family Tree Connections magazine
Getting Started topics

How to Begin (Dec11)

Join a Genealogy Society (Jan12)

Family history - fact or fiction? (Jun06)

International Genealogical Index (Aug07)

Insolvency records (Nov07)

Land Records (Sep07)

Newspapers (Feb07)

Indigenous family history (Feb06)

Aboriginal research in Queensland (Jan06)

Convict research Part 1 (Apr06)

Convict research Part 2 (May06)

Thomas NEWTONs in NSW records (Oct07)

Military Records at TNA (Apr07)

Old words and meanings (Oct06)

European civil registration records (Aug06)

Getting young people interested (Mar06)

What is a stray? (Sep06)

DNA dilemma (Jul06)

DNA projects and Irish Septs (Mar07)

DIY photo restorations (Jul07)

Preserving family history records (Jan07)

Scanning can be easy (Jun07)

Digital preservation of photos (May07)

If you would like to read any of these articles, look for the magazine at your local Library, Family History, Genealogy or Historical Society (many Libraries and Societies in Australia, New Zealand and overseas subscribe)

OR

You may prefer to order a Back Issue