Climbing the Family Tree First steps in discovering your family history

Genealogy ? Or Family History

Genealogy – the search for an ancestral line or lines Builds a skeleton family history Or branches of the family tree Is usually concerned with names and dates

Family History puts leaves on the tree or flesh on the skeleton tells the story of the family takes into account siblings, cousins and other relations tries to place the family in the context of the time they lived

What is a family tree ? A chart, or a written record of the history of your family Which contains Vital dates, eg birth, marriage, death Biographical information eg occupations Photographs Any other information which you choose to include

My Family Pedigree chart  Julie  B.1962 in Blackburn  Gerard Parker Annie Williams b 1927 Blackburn b 1935 Blackburn  Richard Parker Jane Ormerod John Williams Jane Royle b 1891 b 1892 b 1913 b 1916 Joseph Eliz Henry Mary Thomas Louisa William Mary Ann Parker King Ormerod Astley Williams Birtwistle Royle Hall

Why do we do it ? Personal Interest Find birth parents To claim inheritance and/or the right to bear arms

Where to begin Family History Research Begin at the end ! - with yourself Work backwards Gather information by talking to relatives/friends Collect family documents and photographs Begin to fill in a blank pedigree

First Steps in Family History  Record what you already know  Talk to family members  Collect documents & heirlooms  Add information to your chart  Begin to research using libraries, record offices, the Internet