Tracing your family history

Guidance on how best to track your family history.

Last updated: 5th December

How to start researching your family history

Looking into your family history can be fun and interesting. Here are some easy steps to help you get started.

1 - Talk to your family

Ask your family members what they know. Look at old photographs, certificates, and documents they might have. Write down names, dates, and places that seem important.

2 - Use online records

You can find lots of records online. You can use Find My Past, Ancestry and other useful websites free in Staffordshire Libraries and at the Staffordshire History Centre

These websites will help with exploring your family history:

This has records like:

  • Church records (baptisms, marriages, burials)
     
  • Wills and inventories
     
  • School admission registers
     
  • Police and prison records
     
  • Workhouse records
     
  • Apprenticeship records
     
  • Ancestry Library Edition – Another great website with lots of records, as well as hints and tips to help you trace your family history, whether you are from Staffordshire or beyond.
     
  • Staffordshire Names Index

3 - Visit a record office

Once you’ve found some information, you can visit a local record office to get advice on how to take your research further.

4 - Get copies of records

If you want a copy of a record, you can ask for a digital image or a paper copy. There is a fee for this service.

5 - Tracing your birth family

If you’re trying to find your birth family, it’s best to get help from experts.