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Write Your Life Story And Get It Published: Research

by Ann Gawthorpe

Researching a life story can be divided into four parts: personal information, background information, photos and illustrations, and the family tree.

Researching personal information begins with your own data such as letters, diaries, old school reports, etc. Then start questioning family and friends. This will not only trigger more memories but should also confirm that your recollection of events is accurate. If you have lost touch with them try to make contact through specialist websites or by putting requests in local papers.

Researching background information includes accessing material about where you lived, your schools, workplace, etc. It can also include the impact on your life from local, national or world events. The internet is the first port of call, but local libraries, county archives and local history societies are good sources.

You probably already have access to family photos. Several internet sites also hold collections of old photos and postcards some of which you can buy and others which can be downloaded free for personal use.

Researching the family tree will mean collecting as many birth, marriage and death certificates as possible, as well as looking at the censuses. 1841 to 1911 are available on line for a charge or free at the National Archives.

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