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Getting Started With Your Scottish Research (view source)
Revision as of 17:04, 6 December 2011
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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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*''The Dictionary of Genealogy ''shows the genealogical usage for many terms, with the emphasis toward ecclesiastical matters. | *''The Dictionary of Genealogy ''shows the genealogical usage for many terms, with the emphasis toward ecclesiastical matters. | ||
Other reference sources are mentioned in the Read More section below. You may find that two books are similar, but slightly different in their context. All of these dictionaries are available at the [ | Other reference sources are mentioned in the Read More section below. You may find that two books are similar, but slightly different in their context. All of these dictionaries are available at the [https://familysearch.org/search/#form=catalog Family History Library] and may be available at other libraries near you. | ||
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 'heritor', 'reeve', and 'gaol'. Learning these new terms can be like learning a new language. | 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 'heritor', 'reeve', and 'gaol'. Learning these new terms can be like learning a new language. | ||
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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] website. | 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. | ||
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== 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. | ||
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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. | ||
In Scotland, every county has a family history society. To find a society for your region of interest, go online to the website of the [http://www.safhs.org.uk/ Scottish Association of Family History Societies], and look in the 'Membership Lists.' In addition, links to other genealogical societies are found on the [http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/help/index.aspx?r=551&963 ScotlandsPeople] website. | In Scotland, every county has a family history society. To find a society for your region of interest, go online to the website of the [http://www.safhs.org.uk/ Scottish Association of Family History Societies], and look in the 'Membership Lists.' In addition, links to other genealogical societies are found on the [http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/content/help/index.aspx?r=551&963 ScotlandsPeople]($) website. | ||
== Basic Records == | == Basic Records == | ||
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*[[Scotland Civil Registration- Vital Records|Civil Registration]] - government records of births, deaths, and marriages, beginning in 1855. | *[[Scotland Civil Registration- Vital Records|Civil Registration]] - government records of births, deaths, and marriages, beginning in 1855. | ||
*[[Scotland Census|Census records]] - a list of people who lived in a household on a specific night, taken every ten years beginning in 1841. | *[[Scotland Census|Census records]] - a list of people who lived in a household on a specific night, taken every ten years beginning in 1841. | ||
*[ | *[[Scotland Church Records|Church records]] - registers of ecclesiastical ordinances of baptism, marriage and burial, beginning in the 1500's. | ||
*[[Scotland Probate Records|Probate records]] - a written statement of a deceased person’s wishes regarding the disposal of his or her property. | *[[Scotland Probate Records|Probate records]] - a written statement of a deceased person’s wishes regarding the disposal of his or her property. | ||
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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. | ||