Tracing Family History

About this course

The course introduces methods for investigating family history using internet-based resources alongside local and national UK archives. It covers records including births, marriages, deaths, wills and census returns, as well as evidence about working lives, education, military service, crime, punishment and migration. Teaching combines lectures, discussions and debates. Participants examine historical sources, extract relevant information and assess documents and texts. Those already researching their family can apply the methods to their own work during the course.

What you'll learn

• Identify suitable online and archival sources for family-history research
• Extract relevant information from historical records
• Evaluate the reliability and meaning of documents and texts

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for complete beginners as well as learners already tracing family ancestors who want guidance with their research. It involves participating in class discussions, and learners may choose to apply the methods covered to their own family-history project.

• Suitable for learners starting family-history research
• Also accommodates people who have already begun tracing ancestors
• Willingness to take part in discussions is expected

Before you go

• Pen and paper are suggested for note-taking.