Tutorials
In this section you'll find beginners tutorials. A perfect introduction to family history and a great way to start your research!
1. Getting started
In this introductory module of the Society’s Beginners' Course, you will learn how best to begin your research. In just over ten minutes, the module covers tips for beginners alongside essential records and helpful technology.
The module is packed with useful websites, including links to the Society’s online resources. You will also discover how to make the most of the family history records and personal contacts you already possess.
A PDF of accompanying student notes can be downloaded here
2. Civil Registration
In this second module of the Society’s Beginners’ Course, you will learn all the fundamental elements of civil registration records of births, marriages, and deaths. You will explore how best to use these to enhance your family history research.
The module covers civil registration across the UK, examining the separate approaches of England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. You will learn how to use indexes efficiently, and the best ways to order original certificates of births, marriages and deaths.
A PDF of accompanying student notes can be downloaded here
3. Census Returns
This third module of the Society’s Beginners’ Course looks at the Victorian and Edwardian censuses. You will learn the basics of the censuses of the 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891 1901 and 1911 censuses, and how to use them successfully in your family history research.
A PDF of accompanying student notes can be downloaded here
4. Directories, poll books and electoral rolls
In the fourth module of the Society’s Beginners’ Course, you will explore directories, voting records, and web searching. Besides learning how to apply these records to your family history research, you will learn basic history of the voting in the UK.
Discover how these records can enhance and deepen your research, where you can find resources online, and the range of material in the Society’s Library.
A PDF of accompanying student notes can be downloaded here
5. Probate Records
In the fifth module of the Society’s Beginners’ Course, you will investigate the genealogical uses of probate records and divorce records.
Besides providing a guide to the basic history of the probate system in England and Wales, the module will help you to identify the location of wills, and how to download or order them. There is also a brief guide to the probate system and records of Scotland and of Ireland.
A PDF of accompanying student notes can be downloaded here
6. First Steps at the National Archives, Kew and Record Offices
In the sixth module of the Society’s Beginners’ Course, discusses how best to use national and local archives for family history. This includes details of the UK National Archives, as well as those of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.
Through the module you will receive an introduction to what to expect from visits to various types of archives, and how best to prepare for these in advance.
A PDF of accompanying student notes can be downloaded here
7. 20th Century Armed Forces and Merchant Navy
The seventh module of the Society’s Beginners’ Course looks at the armed forces and the Navy in the twentieth century.
Most of us have some military ancestors. This module will help you to understand what records are available, and how you can best use them to discover as much as possible about your military forebears.
A PDF of accompanying student notes can be downloaded here
8. Parish Registers
In the eighth module of the Society’s Beginners’ Course, you will learn about the history of parish registers and their value to family history research before 1837.
The module explores how to find and search the baptism, marriage, and burial registers of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. You will also learn about quirks in the system, alternatives to damaged or missing entries, and where best to locate records online.
A PDF of accompanying student notes can be downloaded here
9. Non-Anglican, Immigration and the British in India
The ninth module of the Society’s Beginners’ Course explores non-Anglican family history, the British in India, and offers an introduction to immigration to the UK.
The module provides a history of nonconformity in the UK, and looks at the nature and uses of nonconformist records in genealogy research. You will also gain a basic understanding of British ancestors in India and immigration, alongside the best online resources and books for these topics.
A PDF of accompanying student notes can be downloaded here
10. Internet Skills, Missing People, Divorce and 20th Century records including the 1939 Register
The tenth module of the Society’s Beginners’ Course covers twentieth century resources and tracing living relatives.
As well as providing an overview of twentieth century legal developments relevant to family history, the module explains the challenges of researching in more recent times. As with previous modules, you will receive guidance for resources on and offline.
A PDF of accompanying student notes can be downloaded here
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We all have roots. Let’s find them together.
