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Getting Started With Your Scottish Research: Difference between revisions
Getting Started With Your Scottish Research (view source)
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However, there are several general things to learn about Scotland before you begin research. The following information can help you be prepared and increase your chances for success. | However, there are several general things to learn about Scotland before you begin research. The following information can help you be prepared and increase your chances for success. | ||
== Jurisdictions, Gazetteers and Maps <br> | == Jurisdictions, Gazetteers and Maps <br> == | ||
Scotland is organized into counties, parishes, and towns, villages, or hamlets. Ecclesiastical (church) boundaries for parishes are similar to civil (government) boundaries for the same. Parishes were the basic unit of society for life and for record keeping. | Scotland is organized into counties, parishes, and towns, villages, or hamlets. Ecclesiastical (church) boundaries for parishes are similar to civil (government) boundaries for the same. Parishes were the basic unit of society for life and for record keeping. | ||
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For more information, go to the [[Scotland Glossary of Genealogical Terms|Glossary of Terms]]. | For more information, go to the [[Scotland Glossary of Genealogical Terms|Glossary of Terms]]. | ||
Another source for definitions of terms is the Glossary available online on the [http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/help/index.aspx?r=551&429 ScotlandsPeople]($) | Another source for definitions of terms is the Glossary available online on the [http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/help/index.aspx?r=551&429 ScotlandsPeople]($) website. | ||
== Use a Handbook <br> == | |||
== Use a Handbook <br> | |||
A 'handbook' is a narrative explanation about how to conduct research, how to understand a given set of records, a summary of what records are available in a specific place, or a combination of all three. Reading a handbook is similar to taking a class--it helps you to learn more. | A 'handbook' is a narrative explanation about how to conduct research, how to understand a given set of records, a summary of what records are available in a specific place, or a combination of all three. Reading a handbook is similar to taking a class--it helps you to learn more. | ||
Handbooks that discuss records are most helpful when they tell the time period in which the record existed, the content and value to a researcher, and where the record is currently housed. You will find a list of suggested handbooks in the Read More section below. | Handbooks that discuss records are most helpful when they tell the time period in which the record existed, the content and value to a researcher, and where the record is currently housed. You will find a list of suggested handbooks in the Read More section below. | ||
== The Internet == | == The Internet == | ||
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You will find references and links to valuable websites on the [[Scotland Strategies for Locating Births, Marriages and Deaths|Research Strategies]] pages. | You will find references and links to valuable websites on the [[Scotland Strategies for Locating Births, Marriages and Deaths|Research Strategies]] pages. | ||
== Join a Family History Society <br> | == Join a Family History Society <br> == | ||
A family history society is an organization for individuals interested in family history and genealogy. These societies are for beginners as well as more experienced researchers. Individuals pay a modest membership fee to join and in return can go to meetings, receive a quarterly journal (magazine) and get involved in indexing projects, in addition to doing their own research. Members have the opportunity to share their research successes and roadblocks and to receive suggestions and assistance. Most societies publish the indexes they prepare, and make them available for anyone to purchase. You do not have to live in the area of the society's interest or location to join, and you do not have to join to benefit from their services and publications. The Family History Library collects the publications of family history societies. | A family history society is an organization for individuals interested in family history and genealogy. These societies are for beginners as well as more experienced researchers. Individuals pay a modest membership fee to join and in return can go to meetings, receive a quarterly journal (magazine) and get involved in indexing projects, in addition to doing their own research. Members have the opportunity to share their research successes and roadblocks and to receive suggestions and assistance. Most societies publish the indexes they prepare, and make them available for anyone to purchase. You do not have to live in the area of the society's interest or location to join, and you do not have to join to benefit from their services and publications. The Family History Library collects the publications of family history societies. | ||
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As you proceed to the [[Scotland Strategies for Locating Births, Marriages and Deaths|Research Strategies]] pages, you will learn how to use the records to find your ancestors. | As you proceed to the [[Scotland Strategies for Locating Births, Marriages and Deaths|Research Strategies]] pages, you will learn how to use the records to find your ancestors. | ||
== Read More <br> | == Read More <br> == | ||
These sources are all available at the Family History Library and may be available at other libraries near you. | These sources are all available at the Family History Library and may be available at other libraries near you. | ||