How to Research your Family Tree
The first rule of genealogical research is to start with yourself and work backwards in time. You could produce a very simple family tree which traces only your father's line.
However, when you begin your family tree, it will probably become very interesting and you may wish to research other branches of your family.
Sources
The primary resources for this in Scotland are:
• the statutory registers of births, marriages and deaths (from 1855)
• the old (Church of Scotland) parish registers (1553-1854)
• the enumerated census returns (1841-1901)
Much of the above information is available online from the General Register Office web site.
Archives and Special Collections at The Mitchell holds microfilm copies of the following:
old parish registers
censuses
burial records
Other useful sources of information for genealogy researchers include:
poor law archives
school archives
police personnel archives
How to begin Family History
Start with your own birth certificate - this should give you the exact date and place of your parents' marriage. With this information, you should be able to trace their marriage certificate which will give you their ages, although not their exact dates of birth. This should lead you to their birth certificates and then backwards to your grandparents.
Useful Tips
• talk to older members of your family as they should be able to provide useful leads, e.g. “Your grandfather was a policeman in Glasgow”
• remember to take notes about where you found your information as it may be necessary to re-check details
• speak to other people who are doing family history research as they may be able to give you some useful tips
Family History resources at The Mitchell
Family History resources on the Internet
Staff in Archives and Special Collections can also help you with your research. Please contact us:
Archives and Special Collections
The Mitchell
North Street
Glasgow
G3 7DN
Phone: 0141 287 2910 or 2988
E-mail: lil@csglasgow.gov.uk