Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI), the sole accrediting body for professional genealogy on the island of Ireland, has shared this guide for those embarking on their Irish family history journey to mark St. Brigid's Day.
"Family History - First Steps" from AGI provides essential guidance for beginners, offering a structured approach to gathering and documenting family information.
Begin with what you know
Your journey into family history starts with you! Before delving into historical records, gather what you already know about your family...
- Write down your own full name, date, and place of birth
- Record your parents' full names, including your mother's maiden name
- Note your parents' dates and places of birth, marriage, and (if applicable) death
- Include your siblings' details
- Add your grandparents' information if you know it
- Write down as much or as little you know about your family history
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Draw your family tree
Creating a basic family tree helps organise your knowledge and identify gaps
- Start with yourself at the bottom of the page
- Draw lines connecting you to your parents above
- Add your grandparents on the next level up
- Include birth names, dates, and locations where possible
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Interview family members
Your relatives are invaluable sources of information
- Begin with your oldest living relatives, as their memories span the most generations
- Remember people often know more than they think - the key is asking the right questions
- Schedule proper time for conversations
- Record the conversations (with permission) or take notes
- Bring photographs to spark memories and stories
- Ask about family traditions, where they lived, went to school, their occupations
- Enquire about family heirlooms and their history
- Family stories may contain clues even if details aren't entirely accurate
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Document everything
Proper documentation is crucial for reliable family history
- Note the source of every piece of information
- Make copies or photographs of documents and photos
- Name images with date, location, and names
- Keep a research log noting what you've searched and what you've found
- Document negative searches too—knowing where information isn't can be helpful
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Next steps
Once you've gathered initial information
- Explore online genealogy resources
- Plan visits to record offices, libraries, and archives
- Hire an accredited genealogist to help you fill in your gaps - find our members here: AccreditedGenealogists.ie
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About Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI)
Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI) is the accrediting and representative body for professional genealogists on the island of Ireland. AGI members are experts in their field who, in addition to undertaking private research for clients worldwide, are highly regarded advocates, authors, lecturers, and media contributors within the genealogical community. All AGI members adhere to the AGI Code of Conduct.
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