Family Tree UK

Learn how to trace your family tree! Every issue is packed with: family history research advice hands-on learning experiences to help you become an ancestor super-sleuth & step-by-step guides to show you the path to tracing the past. From vintage documents to the latest in DNA, we’re here to help you discover more! Get the latest in genealogy news, software, books, archives and expert answers. Plus enjoy those reader stories that remind what it means to trace your family story. Research & remember your roots with Family Tree!

‘Who are you?’

NEWS • Helen Tovey reports on news from the world of genealogy. Do you have a story to share? Please email helen.t@family-tree.co.uk

10th annual Lifetime Achievement archives and history awards

Tips from the Family Tree Plus Club meetings

Surnames as false friends • Chris Paton explores how surnames can be both a blessing and a problem within our ancestral research

AND SO TO FRANCE • Gill Shaw makes a foray into the French records and starts to map her ancestor Catherine Mary Riboldi’s adoptive family tree

Uncover the clues and pass the stories on…

DREADED INSTITUTION A HISTORY OF THE WORKHOUSE • Author Susie Kearley tells the story of an infamous institution – the workhouse – and considers the conditions in which inmates lived and worked

‘PROOF’ OR WORKS OF FICTION? • This month, FamilyTree Academy tutor David Annal asks how much we can really rely on the evidence in the vital records, and the reasons they might not always be telling the truth…

Reuben Joynes WEAVER & ACTIVIST • Sue Turner tells us the story of her textile worker ancestor, whose life of hardship led to a passion for political activism

SHAPE UP YOUR SEARCH SKILLS in 5 steps • Dr Sophie Kay is passionate about thorough, methodical research as it can, and will, make all the difference to the success of our search outcomes. Here she shares 5 very practical, do-able steps for you to use to shape up your search skills right away

Shaping Up Your Search Skills

MAKING DNA WORK FOR YOU • This month, Karen Evans responds to readers’ questions on using DNA testing to help break down brick walls – how can we harness the power of the testing tools, and what are their limitations?

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

GETTING STARTED & KEEPING ORGANISED WITH FAMILY • When starting to trace your family tree, it can be hard to know where to look. It can also be a little tricky to think of a way to keep track of all the lovely documents, photos and discoveries that you’re making. Here we have advice pointing out the key websites, easy ways to keep your files organised, and a do-able way to remember what you’ve found out! Enjoy!

Photo corner • Costume historian and photo dating expert Jayne Shrimpton shares advice to help you date your unidentified pictures and so put names to the faces of the past

Photo-dating puzzle

Your letters • Readers’ research stories, inspiration & ideas

DIARY DATES • DISCOVER LEARNING EXPERIENCES TO ENJOY FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, PLUS ON-SITE EVENTS

Family Tree

JOIN THE CLUBS • With expert presenters and a really friendly crowd the club meetings & webinars hosted by Family Tree are a great place to learn more about family history with like-minded enthusiasts

I’ve tried NOT TO HAVE FUN • Diane Lindsay finds that she has to admit, while online hints and tips can niggle and lead the unwary astray, the massive online record collections available to today’s internet researchers are an absolute treasure trove just waiting to be explored