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English Research: Starting Out (view source)
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As you begin | As you begin research in a new country, you may find your efforts difficult and frustrating at first, but if you persist you will be rewarded. Beginning to do family history is like learning to do any other exercise: it takes time, study, patience and perseverance. You don’t know all the answers. Maybe you don’t know any answers, or even know what to ask so you can get an answer! Everyone starts at the same place. Be willing to ask questions. | ||
In 1066, William the Conqueror and his forces successfully invaded a Saxon country. The first existing written record is the Domesday Book, compiled in 1086. Being a rural economy throughout the first 700 years, the people relied on farming, home economy and trade with other countries to support themselves. Most of the population was poor. The industrial revolution that began in the early 1800’s transformed much of the face of England. | In 1066, William the Conqueror and his forces successfully invaded a Saxon country. The first existing written record is the Domesday Book, compiled in 1086. Being a rural economy throughout the first 700 years, the people relied on farming, home economy and trade with other countries to support themselves. Most of the population was poor. The industrial revolution that began in the early 1800’s transformed much of the face of England. | ||
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You will find many new words with which you are not familiar. It’s best to arm yourself with good dictionaries, either your personal copies or access to them in your local library. The ''Local Historian's Encyclopedia'' defines historical terms in relation to land, occupation, transportation, etc. ''The Dictionary of Genealogy'' shows the genealogical usage for many terms, with the emphasis toward ecclesiastical matters. Other reference sources are mentioned in the bibliography. You may find that two books are similar, but slightly different in their context. | You will find many new words with which you are not familiar. It’s best to arm yourself with good dictionaries, either your personal copies or access to them in your local library. The ''Local Historian's Encyclopedia'' defines historical terms in relation to land, occupation, transportation, etc. ''The Dictionary of Genealogy'' shows the genealogical usage for many terms, with the emphasis toward ecclesiastical matters. Other reference sources are mentioned in the bibliography. You may find that two books are similar, but slightly different in their context. | ||
It's important to start learning the definitions of new words, since the exercise will aid you in getting more involved in your research. Today you may be unsure about the definition of christening or census, but later your list may include words like hundred, reeve, and gaol. Learning these new terms can be like learning a new language.<br><br> | It's important to start learning the definitions of new words, since the exercise will aid you in getting more involved in your research. Today you may be unsure about the definition of christening or census, but later your list may include words like hundred, reeve, and gaol. Learning these new terms can be like learning a new language.<br><br> | ||
=== Use a Handbook === | === Use a Handbook === | ||
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If you don’t live near a family history center, visit your nearby public or university library. They have access to the catalogs of many other libraries in the United States, and some throughout the world. The information you wish to search may be housed by one of these libraries. You can borrow works through interlibrary loan. | If you don’t live near a family history center, visit your nearby public or university library. They have access to the catalogs of many other libraries in the United States, and some throughout the world. The information you wish to search may be housed by one of these libraries. You can borrow works through interlibrary loan. | ||
Do you have access to the Internet? An increasing amount of genealogical information in placed on the Internet. Names and dates of ancestors may not be there but you may be able to order copies of some records over the Internet, such as vital records. The Internet can give you easy access to the catalogs for repositories where records are kept.<br> | Do you have access to the Internet? An increasing amount of genealogical information in placed on the Internet. Names and dates of ancestors may not be there but you may be able to order copies of some records over the Internet, such as vital records. The Internet can give you easy access to the catalogs for repositories where records are kept.<br> | ||
=== The Internet === | === The Internet === | ||