Discover the people who made you who you are.
Friendly, practical articles that help you trace your ancestors, uncover their stories and keep them safe for the generations still to come.
Latest family history articles
Practical guides, tips and ideas to help your family tree grow, newest first.
How to Start Your Family Tree: A Beginner's Roadmap
Never researched your ancestors before? This step-by-step roadmap shows you exactly where to begin, using only what you already know and the people around you.
Read the article →
25 Questions to Ask Older Relatives About Family History
The memories of your oldest relatives are a source no archive can replace. Use these 25 prompts to turn a casual chat into a family history treasure.
How to Tell Whether a Genealogy Source Can Be Trusted
Not every record is equally reliable. Learn the simple questions experienced researchers ask before accepting a name, date or place as fact.
8 Ways to Get Past a Family History Brick Wall
Stuck on an ancestor who seems to have vanished? These eight proven strategies can help you find a way around the dead end.
The Records That Tell Your Family Story
From birth certificates to passenger lists, here is a tour of the record types that hold family details, what each one reveals and where to find it.
How to Read a Census Record, Step by Step
Census returns are packed with clues about your ancestors' lives. Here is how to read one carefully and make the most of every column.
A Simple System for Organising Your Family Research
Papers piling up and files scattered everywhere? Set up a simple system for folders, file names, citations and research logs that you will actually keep using.
How to Care for Old Family Photographs and Papers
Old photos and documents are irreplaceable. Follow these practical steps to store, handle, label and digitise them so they last for generations.
Creative Ways to Share Your Family Story
Your research deserves an audience. Discover simple, meaningful ways to share what you have found with relatives young and old.
What a DNA Test Can and Cannot Tell You About Your Family
Consumer DNA tests promise a lot. Here is a balanced look at what they really reveal, where they fall short and what to consider before you test.
Find what you need
Your first three articles
Brand new to family history? Read these in order and you will be researching with confidence by the end of the week.
Start your tree
Record what you already know and set your first research goal.
Talk to family
Use our 25 questions to gather memories before they are lost.
Find the records
Learn which documents hold the proof and where to look for them.
Got a question about your research?
Chat with us live for friendly pointers on getting started or finding your next clue.