Family History

Do you want to trace your family history but not sure how or where to start? Always start with yourself and work back from the known to the unknown. Names, places and dates are vital to compiling a family history. Put a framework together with family information and birth, death and marriage indexes. Buy certificates as you can afford them to verify the information and put the "flesh on the bones" with archival and published information.

Talk to family members and long term friends of the family. Know what you want to find out before talking to anyone. Ask specific questions. Where was grandmother Smith born? What was her maiden name? When did the family move to Charters Towers? Record all information carefully no matter how unbelievable, it may make sense as your research progresses.