1. Why should I research my family history? Answer: There are many reasons for researching your family’s history. These range from mere curiosity through to needing to know whether any of your ancestors lived/died from inherited diseases which you might have or get.
Also many people are seeking to know where they fit in, their roots and where they come from. This is particularly true in South Africa, where people find that they are not quite African and not quite European or Asian. Their ancestors came from a variety of places and they need to know and acknowledge their roots before feeling at home in Africa.
2. What is the difference between family history and genealogy? Answer: This point is debateable but I believe that genealogy is merely the researching of your family tree, finding the names dates of birth marriage and death of your ancestors. Family History is tracing the who, why and wherefores of your ancestors. For example Why did an ancestor come to South Africa? Answers could be for a better life, get to own land, find gold or diamonds, forced to come as slaves, to avoid war or to fight in a war, to find peace etc. In other words, Family History not only gives names and dates it also looks at and discusses social and cultural conditions.
3. As most of the data is on the internet, why can’t I do my own research? Answer: Doing family history is not only fun it is also an addiction. If you want to get addicted – go for it!
Seriously though, it does require skill at knowing where to look and experience in knowing where the traps are luring you into false data about your family. Many sites these days are “subscription only” and you must pay to use them. If you are merely looking one or two family members it becomes expensive. Because I’m using them daily, I know where to look and I’ve paid the subscriptions. A lot of the data online is merely indexes (indices) of where the data can be found. I have the time and the knowledge to go to Archives and get the information.
4. Will the skeletons in my family’s cupboard be freely available for all to see? Answer: Only if you want to share it with others. If your family is very interesting and worth sharing with others through articles in genealogical newsletters, I would first ask your permission to share it and you have every right to say no. Even though the information is in the public domain I will not share it against your wishes.
5. What about living people’s data? Answer: Most (all) genealogical websites place the word “living” or “private” against living relative’s names and dates.
While searching for relatives who might be still alive, I have used social media platforms such as Facebook to find a relative but I then pass on the information to you so you, rather than me, can message them or befriend them. I do not wish to appear like a Facebook stalker!
6. Will you pass on my contact details to distant family members whom I do not wish to contact me? Answer: I might make contact with a person who is doing research into you family and ask them to share with me what they have discovered. I would ask you permission before passing on what I’ve discovered and also ask you permission to give your name and email to them so that you can interact with a distant cousin ONLY IF YOU WISH TO!
7. If you have any other questions – contact me and I’ll endeavour to answer them and maybe incorporate them on this page!
Frequently Asked Questions
