Getting Started
Phelan family, 1939 (POOLEWP 4313)
Your family research begins with you and your immediate family.
The first step in getting started with family history research is to download a copy of the family ancestry chart and the family group sheet.
The family ancestry chart is used to record your name and the names of your direct ancestors only.
The family group sheet is used to record information about the wider family born to a couple, including your extended family.
Talk to family about their recollections of family history, for example where ancestors may be buried as grave headstones often contain important dates.
Photograph albums, old family letters, obituaries from newspapers, and other documents may be held by your wider family. Reach out to extended family for records that may be useful for research. Some families keep Bibles or diaries with dates of birthdays, marriages, deaths, or other important anniversaries noted.
When talking to family use the family group templates to record known information. This will also help identify gaps in the known information about family.
After talking to family you should have an outline of approximate dates associated with birth, marriage and death for family members. It is important at this stage to look for records that will verify the details and establish further information.
Visit the eResources page for genealogy links to search for records of your family.
Births, marriages and deaths after 1864 are often found in the series referred to as civil records. Births, marriages and deaths before 1864, where they survive, are often to be found in church records. Additional information about civil and church records is provided on the further research page.
The Family History Service at the National Library of Ireland can provide you with specific advice on how to search for genealogical information. The Library provides a free in-person consultation, or you can avail of advice by e-mail or telephone query.
Please contact the Family History Service if you have any further questions regarding getting started with your family history research.
The National Library of Ireland does not undertake genealogical research.