By Kate Shilling — 19th August 2022
August is Family History Month– the very best time of year to get started on piecing together your own family tree and the colourful stories that go along with the characters on every branch.
But where to start?
Unravelling the mysteries of your family history isn’t as daunting as it sounds. Begin by laying out all the information you already have. Plot your family tree as best you can and notice where the holes are. Talk to your extended family, such as uncles, aunts and cousins, who may have information on parts of the family to which you’re not strongly connected. Gather as many accurate names and dates as you can, to make the search for legal documents a little easier.
Use Family History Month as the motivation to start your search. Join some social media Family History groups, where amateur detectives collaborate to share top tips and insights. And don’t forget to check the Family History Month website for genealogy talks in your neighbourhood.
Remember, your family history is not just about the people, it’s about the places. A Family History Holiday is a great way to delve more deeply into the heritage of your genealogy. Whether you have ancestors who used to farm the land in outback Queensland, or immigrant grandparents from Europe, spending time where they lived can help add colour and context to your own perspective of who you are and where you come from.
At Family History Holidays, we do the hard work for you by connecting you with resources for your detective work, from genealogy societies and local history museums to state libraries and even locals who may be aware of your unique family history. Added bonus – by undertaking a Family History Holiday, you’re actually adding to your own treasure trove of family stories!
It’s more than a holiday, it’s a meaningful adventure that your family will never forget.
