Eleven members were present for the talk on Family History Basics: Directed Search.
The idea of ‘Directed Search’ is that, instead of seeing what goodies the Family History websites (Ancestry, FamilySearch etc) throw back at you when you enter (for example) a name and a date, you should rather
i) Decide what is the first piece of information you want to know
ii) Decide which data set should contain the information
iii) Interrogate the data set.
Then move on to the next search.
This prevents the researcher being distracted by information which, though interesting, is not what they were wanting to know. It also improves familiarity with the basis data sets on which family history research is founded. The researcher regains control over the process. It may seem slow, but it is, usually, sure.
One member offered for the amusement of others an extract from the 1861 census: A George Brown of Galgate, 50, gave his occupation as “Secretary to South Durham & Lancashire Union Railway and Eden Valley Railway – Clerk to Teesdale Poor Law Union & Superintendent Registrar”. A busy man! He had also been a barrister and lay preacher and founded the Stockton and Darlington Times.
Next month’s talk will be on Family History Basics: Searching –Where to Look. The following month This will both be followed by ‘Help your Neighbour’ practical sessions. October’s meeting will be at 13:30 on Thursday 8th of October at Enterprise House.
Alan Swindale