This page contains links to a few web pages with advice and guidance on how to commence your family history research. Many of the links also contain advice suitable for more advanced researchers.
As a basis for Victorian goldfields research we would recommend the purchase of early marriage certificates. They provide excellent information which is far more reliable than death certificates. From the introduction of civil registration in mid-1853 you will find names, ages, place of marriage, religious denomination and usual residences, as well as the names of parents of the bride and groom and their fathers' occupations. That is good value.
Victorian BDM certificates
can be purchased online for $24.50 each from this website, the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Victoria.
http://www.bdm.vic.gov.au
You will need a credit card. It is a safe site. You will be given a link to immediately download a digitised image of the birth/death/marriage certificate as a pdf. If you are not comfortable with doing this then we could purchase the certificate for you and you could reimburse the society.
Links to Websites with advice on Family History Research
Beginning Your Family History: Advice from the A.I.G.S.
In Australia many of us have originated in other parts of the world. Regardless of where your family came from, it is possible to find records of your ancestors and discover how they lived. Join us in a fascinating and enthralling voyage of discovery.
Getting Started in Genealogy and Family History: GENUKI Advice
Develop a plan. Think about which lines to follow. You have two parents, four grandparents, eight great-grandparents, and so on. You have to draw the lines somewhere. You can use your time better if you develop a plan to guide you.
Genealogy & The Internet - Susie Zada
When you first use the Internet for your Family History research, you will be absolutely overwhelmed, don't let this put you off. Take a deep breath, slow down, and start again in bite size pieces. There are now so many aspects of the Internet that you can use, and so many exciting leads to follow, you will probably have a headache after your first couple of attempts.
Recording Family History on Your Computer or Charts
Charts are a simple visual method for summarising the results of your family tree research. The following link to Ancestry has a range of free printable templates which may be useful...
Free Printable Blank Family Trees
Specialist family history programs have become very popular for recording family history. Most will store images linked to individuals and print out reports in a variety of formats. A number of websites will allow you to download a copy of the program for testing on your computer.
SOURCES - always record the source of your information.
BACK-UP - if you use a computer, always back-up your data and keep a copy or copies away from your computer or notebook computer in case of disaster. Remember the TIME you have invested into recording your data!