Category Archives: family history

Celebrations of Space: the Irish History and Society series

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By Jennifer Harrison. Following the wonderfully successful Irish seminar GSQ conducted in October 2020, it occurred to me that members might benefit from knowledge of a series of books currently in production in Dublin which provide wonderful contextual material for those researching individual counties.  Since 1985 Geography Publications have produced substantial volumes under the collective title of History and Society.  Each book ranging between 500 and 1000 pages examines an individual county.  By the end of 2020 with the issue … Continue reading

Twitter for Family History – Let’s Look at #ANZAncestryTime.

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First a confession – I have been on Twitter since 2009 so yes I am a fan. Why? There are numerous reasons. By following key genealogists, I can get the latest news on Australian, English, Scottish or Irish research, DNA updates or even what is happening at local record offices and archives. I can chat to geneamates, or find out about upcoming webinars or what books to put on my reading list. Time spent varies depending on what else is … Continue reading

“OURS WERE THE HEARTS TO DARE”

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I never cease to be amazed at the fortitude and endurance of the pioneer women of our country. Often their story is unsung, as they just went about their daily lives unaware of their spectacular contribution to the future of this nation, but simply doing their best, dealing with the strangeness of this new land and confronting head on the harsh realities of life. They coped with deaths of children, droughts and disasters, and sometimes the destruction of all they … Continue reading

The Sad, Short Life of Harriet Jones.

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As another summer day dawned, exhausted Elizabeth lovingly attempted unsuccessfully, once again to entice her sister Harriett to take some medicine. During the long warm night, her patient had alternated between incoherent ravings and frightening stillness. For a moment, she locked eyes with Honora Stewart who had been helping nurse Harriet for the last four days, the women exchanging a thought neither wished to express.                                                             *** Born at the height of the Irish famine, Harriett Grant and her sister … Continue reading

Indexing shortfalls.

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By Bob McAllister. The relationship between family history researchers and those who transcribe and/or index records is a complex one. When a previously unknown document is revealed, the selfless toilers who facilitated the discovery are lauded. On the other hand, when a cryptic squiggle has been misinterpreted, digits transposed, or entries from two records tangled; the oafs responsible are roundly condemned as being if not actually well meaning then barely competent for the task.[1] Yet, deep down we recognise that … Continue reading