Genealogy, from the Ancient Greek γενεαλογία (genealogía), means ‘the making of a pedigree’. It is the study of an individual’s direct-line ancestors — parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. — with a focus on the collection of important dates — birth, marriage and death — and locations, to establish family ties and trace one’s lineage back through generations.

Family history is a broader exploration of the various dimensions associated with a family, including the people, places, objects, traditions, and stories that defined them. Beyond merely documenting the fundamental facts of their direct ancestors’ lives, family historians delve into the rich narratives and social contexts surrounding their ancestors. They broaden their research using multiple historical records including newspapers, oral histories and local narratives, to build a picture of their ancestors’ lives that include the wider stories of family and community.

When you know where to find these records and how to use them you will begin to bring the past — your past — to life. The growing number of people researching their family history around the world is a testament to just how rewarding family history can be.

Every family has a story. What’s yours?