Category Archives: genealogy research

Genealogy for all.

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Recently at Rootstech I co-hosted a panel discussing ethics and genealogy. My purpose was to raise awareness and encourage community members to think about their actions when dealing with people, places, information and things in the genealogy world. During the session and after in many comments on Twitter, genies described times where they felt marginalised, ignored or hurt. These personal issues included ageism, acceptance, sexism, racism, dismissiveness, put-downs, bullying, elitism and more. Issues of sharing sensitive information, DNA use, copyright … Continue reading

Revisiting early research.

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It was not long after my father died in 1987 that I first started to research my family history. I have related the story on many occasions that when I looked at all the people who attended my dad’s funeral and wake I wondered where everyone whom I knew as a child had gone. I therefore decided to start with my paternal ancestry as my maiden name is not very common. I did an introductory course at GSQ, became a … 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

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

More leaves to add to your tree.

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Using Colonial Correspondence files at Queensland State Archives This correspondence was the key to finding the Certificate of Exhumation for William Yung/Young Sing’s body.[1]  Detail about the return of his remains to his homeland added significant detail to his life story. William had died and been buried in the Jericho Cemetery within a year of moving to the railway terminus to establish a hotel there. The letter was located at Queensland State Archives by using the Registers of letters received … Continue reading