When I began this Blog I never dreamed I would one day be writing a technical piece on anything, let alone QR codes. In fact if you had asked me three months ago what a QR code, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you. I know Q&A and Q-tips, but QR codes? I hadn’t the foggiest – until I recently visited a local cemetery searching for tombstone inscriptions. I came across a particular headstone featuring what looked like some sort of encrypted Egyptian or alien coding. Coding it was, but neither anceient Egyptian nor alien. It was very modern, and obviously recently attached to the headstone. In fact I had seen something like this before, in the newspaper. You have probably seen one yourself without realizing it is called a QR code.

What is a QR code?

Besides appearing in newspaper ads, you may have also seen QR codes like the one pictured on movie posters, library shelves, or even restaurant windows. Now you can see them more and more on cemetery headstones; and it actually makes good genealogical sense to place them there. They are an excellent way to place a large amount of information in a tiny space.

QR stands for “quick response”, and they are designed to be read by modern cell phones. QR codes may contain text, geographical coordinates, links to urls and now genealogical data. They were originally designed for the automotive industry to track car parts, but are being constantly incorporated into many other industries and for storing personal information. QR codes are being used more and more on historical sites where it is not practical for instance to place a video screen. Instead the visitor can scan the code with their Smartphone, and access the video online from there. The downside is that if you don’t have a device equipped to read the code you can’t access the information.

Genealogical Uses for QR Codes 

Many genealogists are using QR codes to link to family trees by adding them to their websites, referring users to databases, and providing citations at the bottom of various documents. One of the most popular genealogical uses however is using them to provide additional information on headstones. Rather than have the entire family history displayed on a tombstone, families are providing a QR code with links to that family tree, website, or biographical information for the particular individual. The memorial information attached to the headstone might include pictures, obituaries, and even video clips of the person’s life.

The QR codes are placed on decorative plaques for the graves that they will adorn and are designed to make the memorial experience a richer one for families and friends. Although they are a useful way to share family histories, there are some limitations to using them. The obvious one is that not everybody will have the technology to access the information. But although your cell phone may not have internet access, you might still be able to take note of the website address where the information is held. That way you can visit the site from your own computer when you’re at home.

Are QR Codes Safe? 

Many people are sceptical of scanning QR codes as because they are coded, you can’t be sure where they will take you. There are of course risks of QR codes linking to malicious websites, though the risk of that happening in a cemetery or historical site is minimal. There are however malicious codes that can be attached over legitimate ones, and open up your sensitive data to unscrupulous criminals. They can be useful to genealogists, but like any digital technology, you should be aware that there is a risk when accessing them.

It is very likely that any headstones containing QR codes are safe. The case online may be different however, so make sure that any site you might scan them from is trusted by its other users. It is exciting that such technology can be used to enhance the genealogical experience however, and it can definitely protect tombstones from being damaged due to bad rubbing practices.

One of the most important free genealogy resources – the Irish National Archives – has recently updated and improved their website. The improvements have made the site a genealogists dream. I was really excited to visit it and noticed that it is especially designed to make genealogy research faster, easier, and more comprehensive. The new layout is exceptionally clear and concise, navigation is painless, and there are especially written guides to help researchers with their expanded records collections and genealogy research in general. If you have Irish ancestors, your research can be now taken to another level.

Some of the new features are the document of the Month, and an entire section on Women’s History and Transportation resources. The women’s history section consists of two major databases – the Directory of Sources for Women’s History inIreland, and Women in Twentieth centuryIreland. They are accompanied by the Ireland-Australia database, all of which are searchable online. In addition they have provided a link to the Chief Secretary’s Office Registered Papers website which contains records for the years 1818-1822. The records contain a variety of information on people and places inIrelandfor the years listed with plans to extend the collection up until 1852.

Irish Archives Online Catalogue 

The real heart of the new website is their updated online catalogue. An online catalogue is the nucleus of any archival website, as even if entries are limited to scraps of information such as descriptions and titles of records, users can search more widely and accurately. The search criteria for the catalogue have been expanded so that full text searches can be executed, and adjusted to just about any theme or category.

Most of the records are of the twentieth century, and though the website stipulates that many may be unsuitable for genealogy research, they have underestimated in my opinion the tenacity of genealogists! We don’t discard any type of records, and as an experiment I did a search of my surname. Lo and behold, I found several will papers and a dispute with the early Irish Department of Finance with one of my ancestors over land annuities. My advice would be to ignore the warning and continue to search everything as a good ancestor detective does!

Record Holdings of the Irish Archives 

The Irish National Archives actually hold a wealth of records that may prove valuable to your ancestors search. If you are looking to find Irish ancestors, the archives are a great place to start. The departmental records they manage are a supreme source on their own.

They include; Agricultural records, Records of the Attorney General’s Office, Department of education records, Finance records, Social welfare records, Judicial records and more. The other governmental records amount to archives of early governmental agencies that existed in the nineteenth centuries and twentieth, but some go back as far as the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. There are also court and probate records maintained by the archives, some dating back to the fourteenth century.

Besides government records you will also find:

• ChurchofIrelandrecords
• Trade Union records
• Business records
• School records
• Hospital records
• Estate Records

Irish Census Records

Some of the most popular records held by the Irish National Archives and used by genealogists are the Census records from 1901 and 1911. These records are a valuable part of the Irish heritage, and are currently being digitized in conjunction with Library and Archives Canada.

The1901 and 1911 returns are organized by townland in rural areas or by street in cities. Every member of a household is listed according to their name, sex, sex, religion, marital status, occupation, and their relationship to the head of the household at the time. Also recorded are whether or not an individual could read and/or write, and if they spoke the Irish language. The 1911 census contains the same information with the important addition that married women needed to state how long they had been married, how many of their children were born alive, and how many were still living at the time of the census.

In addition to households, asylums, prisons, military barracks, hospitals, colleges, workhouses, and trade schools were all enumerated, so the chances of finding your Irish ancestor are accordingly increased. As a bonus, descriptions of houses are given in both census returns. The descriptions include the overall condition of the dwelling, the number of rooms it had, how many windows, and even the type of roof they had, all making for additional interesting genealogical data. These census reports are an excellent source for those seeking their Irish family, and serve as a principal source for understanding the Irish economic and social structure in the early twentieth century.

The Irish National Archives obviously appreciate the importance and the popularity of genealogy today. The valuable records they are making available online show their dedication to the promotion and preservation of Irish heritage and history. If you find information on your Irish ancestors in any of their valuable genealogical sources, make sure you record it in one of our Free Downloadable Genealogy Forms. Doing so will ensure your family history is preserved in an accurate and organized way that will benefit your relatives and other genealogists for years to come.

Timelines are one of my favourite genealogy tools to create. They’re a great way to grasp your family history at a glance, and a convenient way to quickly share you family history with others. You may have seen timelines in your history books at school. They are usually used to show important historical dates in chronological order. In genealogy we use them to show important family events; births, deaths and marriages, even anniversaries and graduations from school, college or university. You can depict when a family member started a new job, or first opened the doors of your business. The options are endless, only dependant on your imagination and the type of events you wish to display.

Making a Genealogical Timeline

Genealogical timelines are a combination of the life events of your ancestors, local events, and historical events. Sometimes it’s possible to place our ancestors within world events such as the World Wars or natural disasters. Historical events could have also caused our ancestors to migrate as with the Great famine of Ireland. They can help us to put our family in historical context, as well as painting a complete picture of our family history. The following system can be used to create a family history timeline on your computer, or a handwritten one using our Free Downloadable Genealogy Timeline Template. It’s a simple two step process that will be both fun, and fulfilling; albeit a good bit of work!

Genealogy Timeline Step 1 – Gather Information

The first step to constructing your genealogy timeline is to gather as much information on your family as possible. You will want to locate where they lived on historical maps, and consider any important world events that took place in those areas. If you have trouble locating that information you can use surname databases to see geographical locations where your surname is concentrated. Census reports for that area may reveal much valuable information as to the identities of your ancestors, while local newspapers and obituaries may reveal even more.

Consult as many genealogical records as possible, and collect as much data on your family as possible. Church records, probate records, military records, BDM certificates and the like will provide you with more than enough events to include in your timeline. Especially of value are County Historical Records local Genealogical and Historical Societies. When consulting Historical or Genealogical Societies, you’ll get the best results if you have some knowledge of your ancestor. If not, they are more than happy to guide you as to where to look for that information.

Genealogy Timeline Step 2 – Putting it All Together

Once you’ve gathered as much data about your family as possible, you can begin filling in your timeline. A simple way is to begin with an A4 sized piece of blank paper. On the left side you will list the years, beginning with the date that is farthest back in time. In the middle of the page, create a column for the names of your ancestors. The farthest column to the right will list the local, world, or family event that your ancestor was involved in.

You can also use the same system to create a timeline for the life of specific ancestors. In this case you would list the year your relative was born in the far left column, and end with the date of their death. The middle column would depict the date of their life event, while the third column would list the event. If you choose, you can leave a bit of space in each line of the columns to add extra notes.

The Benefits of a Genealogical Timeline   

Your ancestors were affected by the events happening around them. World or local events could explain why they migrated, or chose to stay put. Be sure to add these important dates to your timeline, as they can explain at a glance certain decisions your ancestors might have made. There is no need to list events that didn’t affect them, but as you add the events that did, imagine that your ancestor was a part of a larger whole. This helps you to place your ancestor in both a historical context, and also illuminates their relationship with their community.

Elements of an Effective Timeline

To be sure you get the greatest benefit from your timeline, make sure it contains the following components:

• The Date of the Event
• The Name of the Event
• The Location of the Event
• Any Relevant Citations (Quotations or References)
• Name of Your Ancestor
• Age of Your Ancestor at the Time of the Event

Creating a timeline is an excellent way to get your feet wet with genealogical research You will become familiar with the different types of source that are available to genealogists, while learning the basic tricks and techniques of research. Always remember to verify any information you discover before placing it into your timeline, and most of all, remember to have fun while doing so. Good luck with your timeline, and Happy ancestor Hunting!

We have additional information on timelines Here.

There are over 30 million Americans claiming Irish ancestry; more than seven times the population ofIreland. It is no wonder that so much attention is given to finding Irish surnames. I have found an exceptionally useful source for pinpointing the original location of your ancestors to be Sir William Petty’s Irish Census of 1659. It is not a census form in the official sense as it gives only the names of those who held deeds to parcels of land and the number of people residing on each plot. It can help however to find out exactly where your family was centered in seventeenth centuryIreland.

Sir William was an English economist loyal to Oliver Cromwell. He conducted this particular survey in order to establish what land could be rewarded to those private individuals who had funded Cromwell’s campaign to re-occupyIrelandfollowing the Irish Rebellion in 1641. Its value lies in the fact that it records the concentration of every surname that existed inIrelandat the time by county. The surnames are recorded in their original spelling, and as such can also help you to track down spelling variations of your family name.

If you haven’t yet found your family name, it can direct you as to where inIreland you should begin your search. Besides Irish surnames, the 1659 census also includes those of English and Scottish settlers living inIreland at the time. Once you find the general location of your family name, you can begin a more refined search within that county, sourcing local records found in county clerks offices, parish registers, and local genealogical and heritage centers.

What You’ll Find in the 1659 Irish Census

The 1659 census provides clues as to where your family may have been during the 1600’s, and consequently provides a starting point to begin your research. Keep in mind though, that your surname may have been spelt differently in the seventeenth century, so you will need to factor in possible spelling variations. For example; the name Quinn is spelt in the survey as Quine,Clarkis spelt Cleark, and O’Reilly as O’Rely. There are also many lesser known Irish surnames such as Arberry, Hamptin (possibly Hampton), Freind, Keygin (possibly Keagan) and Sime.

The genealogical and historical of this census is self-evident, especially when it comes to finding rare spellings of more common names. It is not only a primary source for Irish surnames, but an asset that can help you get past a dead end if you’re having trouble finding your surname after the eighteenth century. Be aware that the census only recorded the surnames, there are no given or first names included, but because it narrows down your search, can save you measurable time and resources.

Bonus of English and Scottish Names

The 1659 census also documented the number of English and Scottish residents of |Ireland at the time along with their respective surnames. The majority of Scottish names can be found in Northern Ireland except for Counties Monaghan and Antrim. Though the differentiation between English and Scottish names is vague, a closer study will reveal subtle differences. Sometimes the name is designated as that of a person who only spoke English, and occasionally Scottish and English settlers who had resided inIreland for a time are referred to as Irish. There is indication of Scottish settlement inTipperary and Longford counties, while the English settlement is widespread with the exception ofCountySligo.

The Irish outnumbered the English in the south by ten to one, while in the north the ratio was fairly even. As such, you may wish to begin searching ancestors of English or Scottish ancestry in the north of Irelandbefore looking in the southern counties. Leinster, or the area around Dublin, had the highest concentration of Scottish and English settlers. Unfortunately the surviving census is not complete, as is the case with many Irish records. No returns survive for the counties of Cavan, Mayo, Galway, Tyrone, and Wicklow, and only partial reports are available fromCork and Meath.

Still a Valuable Resource

In spite of the fact that portions have not survived or are incomplete, the 1659 Irish Census is a valuable research tool for genealogists. It is very similar in function to the Birth Index of nineteenth century Ireland in that you can pinpoint the origin of your surname. Most families inhabited the same area for centuries, and it is possible that you can find your Irish ancestors in the same location that they lived in all those centuries ago. Many families were driven from their land however, but finding the original location of your family will help you to better track where they moved to. Once you find your family surname, you can consult more recent census reports to find later generations.

What to Do With the Information You Find

After you find your family members in census reports, you will want to record that data in a census extraction form. These are convenient for recording census data, enabling you to review the information you record at a glance. They are available for specific years, and you can download one of our Free Blank Census Forms to get you started.

As they it is with food and fine wine, the French approach to family history is one of pride and passion. I found this out recently when a friend of mine from Montreal asked for some advice on finding her French ancestors. Initially I was a bit embarrassed; I didn’t know as much as I should about French genealogical records and sources! I went quickly to work, hit the books, and scoured the internet. I was amazed at how many databases and genealogy projects exist for this country. I also found the records to be well preserved, in spite of France’s history of revolution and warfare. Many of the French records date back well into the sixteenth century; making them valuable genealogical and historical records.

Of course there is the drawback that the majority are written in French. I of course had the benefit of being able to consult with “mon ami”, but with the help of a good French genealogy word list and online translation tools such as Google Translate, you should be able to find your way through French records. Many departmental archives in France have had their civil, parish and census records digitized and made available online for free. The Archives of France maintains a complete and current listing of records that are available online and the departments that manage them. The page is in French, but if you use Google Chrome’s automatically translate option, you can clearly see what sort of resources are available.

Defining your Search Strategy

Before you even begin searching for French genealogical records, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the country’s geopolitical divisions. Rather than counties, France is divided into régions which are similar to states. Within those “states” you’ll find further division into départments, which are the equivalent of counties. Notice that the French spellings are identical to the English regions and departments. You’ll be able to understand quite a few French words due to their similarity to English ones. Once you move below department level however, you’ll encounter what are known as les mairies which is a collective name for the towns, villages and cities found within the départments.

You’ll generally find archives at the departmental level in France, while local records are held by les mairies. Each department in France is assigned a number, so in order to access appropriate records; you’ll need both the number and the name of the department where those records are kept. A good place to begin your research of French records is on one of the genealogy communities for publishing and sharing family trees. You’ll be able to find a group that focuses on French ancestry, and there avail yourself of the help of other genealogists, and the resources that most of the sites provide. A quick way to connect with such a group is to do as search of your surname. This will provide you with a selection of groups or individuals who are researching your surname, some of whom may be relatives.

French Civil Registration Records

France boasts an excellent system of civil registration records that date back to1792. Before that time, civil registrations were recorded by the Catholic Church and information regarding baptisms, marriages and funerals can be found in those records. These early parish registers date back to 1334, though the majority date from the mid seventeenth century. Both the civil and parish records are constantly being transcribed, digitized and made available online at a rapid rate, mostly on the websites of the departmental archives.

French Census Reports

The French began taking Census Reports in 1836, and these are also excellent records for tracing your French Ancestors. The major drawback of the French census records is that they are not indexed, and so it can be difficult to locate your relatives in the larger cities. The key in such cases is to exercise patience and persevere. A well thought out and executed process of elimination will surely reveal your ancestor. Occasionally you can find digitized images of French census records on the departmental website; they will be indexed as recensements du population.

Once you locate you ancestor in the census or other genealogical records you’ll want to record that information in a clear, concise way before entering it into your family tree. We have designed some Free Downloadable Genealogy Forms for such occasions, and encourage you to download one now before you begin your research. This way you can enter the information directly into your census form, saving you valuable time, and making it easier to store in your family group record. Remember to verify all the information you find before entering into your family tree, and double check spellings and accuracies of dates as well. This way you’ll ensure that your French family is both interesting and accurate.