Based on the new SBS series that traces the family histories of six high-profile Australian celebrities, this book is the perfect introduction for anyone who wants to start exploring their own ancestry.
Throughout January and February 2008, the SBS television series called Who Do You Think You Are? took six well-known Australians on an intriguing and emotional journey as they trace their family history. This jargon-free companion book to the series is a highly accessible how-to guide that will show you how to find out about your own family history.
No prior knowledge is needed, as Who Do You Think You Are? equips you with the basic tools to start and extend your search. There is information on everything from where to find census information to tracking down convict records or details of military service. All the celebrity stories are included, giving fascinating examples of the different directions a search can take.
But be warned: this is a compulsive hobby and you may soon find yourself thinking of nothing else.
Contents:
Introduction
1. The Life of a Nation
- The Convict Era
- Gold
- The Big Four
Catherine Freeman's Quest
2. Making a Start
- Family Tree Diagram
- Research
Jack Thompson's Quest
3. Personal Records
- Where to Look
- Photographs
- Old Documents
Kate Ceberano's Quest
4. Australian Records
- Births, Deaths and Marriages
- Divorces
- Convict Records
- Immigration
- Indigenous Australia
- Associations, Societies and Brotherhoods
- Churches
- Wills
- Land Records
- Electoral Rolls
- Military Records
Ita Buttrose's Quest
5. Overseas Records
- England and Wales
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Germany
- Greece
- Italy
Geoffrey Robertson's Quest
6. Speaking to People
- Who to Interview
- Types of Interviews
- What to Ask
- How to Ask
- Interviewing Tips
- True or False?
- Oral History Sources
Dennis Cometti's Quest
7. Recording and Sharing
- Family Trees
- Genealogical Societies
- The Internet
- Printed Publications
- Other Formats
8. Who Owns What in Genealogy?
- Copyright Basics
- Privacy
- Ethics
Appendix: Addresses and Websites
Author's Note
Acknowledgements
Image Credits
Bibliography
