Ever wondered about your roots? Curious about the stories that make you, you?
That's where I come in. With nearly 40 years of experience as a family genealogist, I've helped countless individuals just like you uncover their family history and weave it into a narrative that spans generations. But I'm not just any genealogist. I hold a Masters in Social Science with Distinction, Writing Family History, Convict History, Families at War, Social History plus a Postgraduate Degree in Psychology, which means I don't just list your ancestors - I bring them to life. I delve into the social context of their lives, their personal triumphs and struggles, and how they've shaped the family you know today. And the best part? I work with you every step of the way. This is your family's story, after all. I'm here to guide you, to help you ask the right questions and find the answers. And once we've unearthed your family's past, I'll turn it into a personal family history book. A treasure to share with your family, to pass down to your children, and their children, and the generations to come. Everyone deserves to know their story. So, are you ready to discover yours?
Introduction: Why Explore Your Family History?
Genealogy, or the study of family history, is a fascinating journey of discovery. It's about more than just names and dates; it's about uncovering the stories of your ancestors, understanding their lives, and connecting with your heritage. Whether you're curious about your ethnic background, want to learn more about your family's struggles and triumphs, or simply enjoy solving puzzles, family history research can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
My e-book will be designed to guide you through the initial steps of researching your family history. I'll provide you with a step-by-step approach, practical tips, and recommended resources to help you get started on this exciting adventure. My e-book will be available to purchase soon. I'll post an update here and send an email to my subscribers when it's ready. If you haven't already subscribed to my emails, you can do so on this webpage.
Here's a taste of my e-book:
The best place to begin your family history research is with what you already know.
Gather information from yourself and your immediate family members.
• Create a Basic Family Tree: Draw a simple family tree chart, starting with yourself, your parents, and your grandparents. Fill in as much information as you know, including full names, dates of birth, marriage, and death, and places of residence.
• Interview Family Members: Talk to your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives. Ask them about their memories, stories, and family traditions. Take notes or record the interviews (with their permission, of course!). These personal anecdotes can provide valuable clues and insights that you won't find in official records.
• Gather Family Documents and Photos: Collect any documents and photos you can find, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, old letters, diaries, family Bibles, and photo albums. These items can provide crucial information and add colour to your family's story.
Once you've exhausted the information available from your family, (or if you're unable to do any of those previous steps), it's time to explore online resources. The internet has revolutionised family history research, providing access to vast databases of records and information.
We'll explore online family history research resources in my e-book, so see you on the other side.
Lisa
The photo in this blog is of my Stanton family c.1922. My grandmother Edna b.1908 is the teenage girl in white dress standing on the left end of back row. My great grandmother Stella Clausen (nee Stanton) b.1887 is next woman to Edna back row centre, next to her is her brother and her Norwegian husband Claus Clausen b.1882 in Bergen Norway is standing at the right end of the back row. Below Stella, the bearded man is her father, my great great grandfather William Stanton, b.1844 in Penrith. His parents, Joseph Stanton, b1805, Hereford, and Hannah Stanton nee Simmons, b.1815 in Shropshire, were convicts.
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