Family history research
Researching Your Family
Researching Family History has become one of the most popular and fascinating pastimes,
particularly since the advent of the Internet. Where does the beginner start? We
are all descended from four grandparents, so which one’s family should we try and
trace? Genealogists have traditionally investigated the male line when tracing a
family tree. It’s certainly easier to do it this way as the same surname continues
back through the generations with only, perhaps, minor alterations in spelling.
However, don’t be deterred if you find an insurmountable problem on one of your
male lines, I certainly did! Perhaps one of your ancestors reinvented themselves
with a new name and background but don’t despair, researching your female lines
can be equally if sometimes more fascinating. Genealogy is all about solving mysteries
and this is something we at Digital History can help you with.
Accessing Local Sources
At Digital History we can locally access a variety of sources to help you look in
depth at your family’s history and put “flesh on the bones” of your family’s past.
Family History research has so many facets, and we can try to obtain a picture of
the house or houses your family lived in, the church or chapel your family used
or, perhaps, a picture of the village school your family attended generations ago.
We can help you investigate the background of the jobs your ancestors did, be they
agricultural labourers, inn keepers, miners or uniform makers, or any of the thousands
of occupations our ancestors had. Alternatively, we can simply find that elusive
missing date for you perhaps by tracing and taking copies of entries in parish registers.
The opportunities are limitless as we start to put together a multi-dimensional
picture of your family’s life through the generations.
On the Spot Help
We are based in Newark in Nottinghamshire and can easily travel throughout Nottinghamshire,
Lincolnshire and adjoining counties, or further afield, should you so desire. So,
if you are trying to trace ancestors in our area, Digital History can help. We have
been compiling family trees for some time now and can help you put the missing pieces
into your family history. You may simply need to locate one small missing link,
or you may wish to compile a complete family tree, whatever problems you are encountering
we can offer ‘on the spot’ help. Its not always possible to do all your research
over the Internet so, remember, we can offer a personal service within the Counties
of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire and beyond. You can check which parishes are
covered for Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire in the
Nottinghamshire
and
Lincolnshire
Parish Pages.
Family Research Presentation Package
When we have completed your research a we will supply a research package in a presentation
file containing a full report of the research which may consist of:
- Photocopies of baptism, marriage and death entries from the original parish registers
- Photocopies of census returns showing details of family members
- Photographs of relevant churches, chapels or houses
- Family group sheets with ages, siblings, occupations etc...
- Birth, marriage and death certificates
Making Contact
When contacting us please let us know what information you have uncovered so far,
what verification you have for that information, and what information you are having
difficulty finding. Let us know how many hours of research you would like us to
undertake and leave the rest to us. We will keep you updated by email throughout
our research.
Curriculum Vitae
All Family History research is undertaken by a BA(Hons) graduate who can travel
throughout either county, or beyond, as required. Please see
my c.v.
Pricing
- £9 per hour for research
- Outside of area – hourly research fee plus travelling expenses
- Certificates, photocopies etc. at cost price
- A financial limit can be agreed
- Payment by cheque or PayPal half in advance and half on completion of research.
You can reserve as many or as few hours of research as you feel you need.
Quotations
To contact us for a quotation or for more information email us at the address above
or use our
request
page. We will usually get back to you within 24 hours. All work is undertaken in
the strictest confidence.