- Start with what you know: Make a list of everything you already know about your family. This will help you focus your research and identify gaps in your knowledge.
- Gather documents: Look for documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, and military records. These can provide important information about your ancestors.
- Use online resources: There are many online resources available for family history research, including ancestry websites, digitized historical records, and online databases.
- Join a genealogy group: Consider joining a genealogy group or society in your area. These groups can provide support, resources, and expert advice.
- Take advantage of free resources: Many libraries and archives offer free access to their collections for genealogy research. Take advantage of these resources to save money.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you are having trouble finding information or understanding a document, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many genealogy experts and enthusiasts who would be happy to assist you.
- Be organized: Keep track of your research and the sources you use. This will help you avoid duplicating efforts and make it easier to share your findings with others.
- Use multiple sources: Don’t rely on just one source of information. Use multiple sources to confirm or disprove information and to get a more complete picture of your ancestors.
- Keep an open mind: Your ancestors may not have lived the perfect lives you imagined. Be prepared for the possibility that you may find information that is unexpected or difficult to accept.
- Have fun: Genealogy can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby. Don’t get too caught up in the details and remember to have fun with your research.
Hilton Library, Hilton, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
+27 82 901 9047
1st Saturday of the month 9:30am – 12noon
