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Tips on Researching Church Records

  • 04-03-2011 10:54am
    #1
    hblock21
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 738 ✭✭✭


    I've only just started into researching my family history. I had a look at some church records a few months ago in the NLI and I have to say I found them impossible to read and very daunting. Unfortunately, I don't live anywhere near Dublin, so will only get the chance to review these records only every few months or longer..

    So, to use what little time I will have researching these records....what are the best ways of reviewing them? I'm sure you have learned alot of good tricks to speed up your research of these records?

    I plan to make a visit to the NLI this evening, on my way to the airport. I will have 1 hour of research time, then won't get another chance till god knows when!


Comments

  • #2
    shanew
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,777 ✭✭✭shanew


    The first step to do is to establish the layout of the film - i.e. check what volumes there are, if there are any index sections etc.

    Be careful with the indexes, if the register has them, as these are not always fully accurate and you can find records in the details section not indexed, so you may need to check the details by date also.

    Searching the films is time consuming work and there is no real shortcuts other than to start your search with as many clues as you can. You could need a couple of hours to follow a single family back through the the records. Learning to read the records is just practice, but it helps to know the townlands in the area and also have notes on names and months in Latin.

    Bring parish and townland maps for the area and also a detailed tree of your family with places and dates of birth and work back from these.



    Shane


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