Beginner’s guide
Tracing your roots doesn’t have to cost the earth with these simple tips, says Katie Byrne, so jump right in and make a start on finding out about your family history today
At the end of your research tether, or perhaps at the very start of your genealogy journey? Either way, finding out who you are and where you come from needn’t cost a fortune with the help of these simple pearls of wisdom.
1 Work out what you already know
Making a list of all the information you already have is an invaluable starting point that will – in theory, at least – help your research get off to a flying start. Sifting through your own memories and chatting to relatives about theirs will provide you with a pool of information and context that will frame what you’re about to uncover.
2 Dig out old photos
Similarly, if you’re lucky enough to have a trove of old family photos to look at, dig them out and have a browse. Putting a face to a name makes a person seem far more ‘real’ and allows you to apply whatever information you uncover about them as
