Book Description

Do you wonder if that family legend your grandparents told was true? Or have you never known much about your family history and would like to find out more? The Family History Book takes you through the steps of researching and building a family tree, finding records of births, deaths and marriages, looking up newspaper archives and probate records, researching immigration and shipping, examining military records, as well as discovering your story through DNA testing. Whether you’re just beginning or have already made a start, this book guides you through all the places you can learn about genealogy in Australia. Filled with tools, tips and tricks, and featuring interviews with experts in the field, Cassie and Shaun Gilmartin share everything you need to unlock the story of your past. ‘Now your frequent cry, “I’d write the family history if I knew where to start”, is silenced. This book is so rich in example and so charming that it will not only tell you exactly where to start and proceed but will also entertain and enthuse you. Your descendants in 2524 are crying for you to follow this guide and leave them a history that makes their forebears enchanting.’ – Tom Keneally ‘An invaluable resource. This is a book guaranteed to inspire, educate and support experienced and budding family historians alike. It’s gloriously user-friendly – not least because the Gilmartins are so friendly – not only keeping up with all the modern trends in digital research, but also staying true to the timeless, compulsive motivations of family history: curiosity, creativity and love.’ – Clare Wright ‘An extraordinarily helpful guide – up to date on techniques and sources that simply weren’t available a decade ago. Cassie and Shaun are lively and reliable guides to an absorbing and popular historical endeavour that can so easily trick and mislead the unwary.’ – Peter Stanley ‘A very accessible guide on how to get started – and keep going – with your family history.’ – Brad Argent, Ancestry Studios ‘An exceptional level of detail on the records and sources for each chapter. Cassie and Shaun should be congratulated on an excellent work.’ – Ruth Graham, Society of Australian Genealogists