Welcome to our family history how-to hub
Discover everything you need to know about researching your family history with our easy-to-follow guides.

Getting started with family history
Interested in researching your ancestry or building a family tree? Understand what you need to start your family history journey.
What is family history research? arrow_forward
How to trace your ancestryarrow_forward
Which genealogy site is best for me? arrow_forward
How far can I get in my family history for free? arrow_forward
How to trace Irish genealogyarrow_forward
How to trace Scottish genealogy arrow_forward
How to research Jewish ancestors arrow_forward
Family history records explained
What type of information do you need to do family history? Learn all about genealogy records, what they can tell you and where you can find them.
What are genealogy records? arrow_forward
What records do I need to get started with family history? arrow_forward
How to find birth recordsarrow_forward
How to find a marriage certificatearrow_forward
Are marriage records public? arrow_forward
How to find a death certificate for family history research arrow_forward
How to find adopted family members with genealogy researcharrow_forward
How to access the 1921 Census of England and Wales arrow_forward
How to create your family tree
Start building your family tree from the ground up. Learn how to trace your family back through the generations and create your very own family tree.
How to present your research and share it with others
Want to share or display your family history? Find out how to present and preserve your family history research for yourself or for others.
Understanding your ancestors' lives
Learn how to trace your ancestors’ life stories. Find out how to use family history records, newspapers and other sources to follow the ups and downs of their lives.
What is the difference between maternal and paternal?arrow_forward
What is a second cousin?arrow_forward
How to find out what your ancestors’ jobs were arrow_forward
How to find your ancestors in old newspapers arrow_forward
How to find out about your ancestors’ military service arrow_forward
How to find out if your ancestor went to prison arrow_forward
How rare is your surname? arrow_forward
Where does my surname come from? arrow_forward
How to trace your ancestors’ travels arrow_forward
How to find out if your ancestor was in a workhouse arrow_forward
How to find out who lived in your house throughout history arrow_forward
How to find out where your ancestor is buried arrow_forward
How to find out if your ancestors were divorced arrow_forward
What did people say about my ancestor when they died? arrow_forward
Find your family in billions of online records
Search billions of family history records for free
Discover original records and transcripts of your ancestors’ documents
Delve into the details their lives, from key dates to addresses, occupations and more
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