Beginners to Genealogy

Some Simple Rules

To make sure you don't end up tracing someone else's family, always work backwards from yourself to your parents, grandparents and so on. Don't assume that someone with the same name is connected to you, even if it is a unique name.

Always try and have at least two pieces of evidence to prove a fact or a connection if you can. This can become more difficult the further back you trace.

Another important rule is to always note where you find your information and to note the proper citation so that you can find it again. Don't rely on your memory because as your research grows, so too does the amount of material you collect on each of your ancestors.

Be aware that the spelling of given names, surnames and place names and so on can vary especially the further back you go. There are many reasons for this including:

Home Sources

Don't forget to talk to other family members, especially the older generations as they may be able to provide valuable information and memories that can be recorded in your family history. They may also have a range of documents and memorabilia that could be useful for your family history. Some of the things to ask about are included in the table below:

There is a great list of questions to ask family members in the 'Getting Started' guide here.

As you gather this information from relatives you might find it useful to record the information on pedigree charts and family group sheets. Many family history and genealogical societies have these kind of charts on their websites free to download and they really do help to see what information you have and what still needs to be added. As you progress there are a number of genealogy software programs that can be used to store your data and to produce a range of charts to save you handwriting the information or trying to draw up a family tree by hand.

Or you may want to use the family tree software on findmypast.com.au.

Civil Registration - Births, Deaths and Marriages

Obtain your parent’s marriage, birth and death (if relevant) certificates to establish basic information such as dates and places of birth, death and marriage. There is a general outline of what to expect at www.findmypast.com.au/content/getting-started-certificates

Don’t assume that everything on a certificate is true as the information is only as good as the informant.

Using online indexes to BDMs it is possible to draw up possible family connections, assuming the surname is not too common. You still need to purchase certificates as not all the information you need to continue tracing back is given in the index.

Birth Death and Marriage Registrars in Australia and New Zealand

Online indexes & Registrar General websites

There is quite a lot of variation between what is available between the various Australian colonies/states and territories so it is important to know which area they came from. If someone has disappeared, then you also need to check the other states and territories. There was also a lot of travel between the Australian colonies and New Zealand particularly during the gold rushes so check both sides of the Tasman.

Don't forget to check for all spelling variations too for both given names and surnames. There are many reasons why the spelling may not be what you think it should be. In earlier times many people were illiterate and couldn't check how their names were recorded, names may have been written phonetically, or non English speaking people had their names were anglicised. Of course there may also be a human error factor when indexes are compiled. Sometimes using a wild card can be useful to find relevant entries. Think laterally if you are having trouble finding someone.

A useful guide to what is shown on each certificate for the various states is on Graham Jaunay's website under the Free Help - AUS Info page www.jaunay.com/bdm.html

Remember that each year on 1 January the online indexes are increased by one year as the records enter the open access period.

Fees change from time to time - for up to date charges visit the website.

Once you have all the information from your birth, death and marriage certificates, you can start looking for other records. These include passenger lists, school records, inquests, land records, military records and wills and probates to mention just a few that will help you get to know your ancestors in more detail.

Findmypast.com.au has birth, death & marriage records available for most states.