It's is the 25th Anniversary of our journey as Grandparents. This wonderful journey has given us 12 beautiful, individual and amazing descendants.
Today we shine a light on the firstborn of the tribe who is away at university. We send her greetings of love and pride and look forward to some celebratory cake, candles and champers when she comes home for Easter.
Genealogy Methods and Techniques: A Practical Guide to Research
Dr Karen Cummings
eBook ISBN: 9780719846090
Dr Karen Cummings, an accredited professional genealogist and educator, is well known and respected in the genealogy community. She is also active on social media, where I have followed her work for many years.
In a publishing world where many genealogy texts originate in the United States, it is refreshing to encounter a contemporary guide from the United Kingdom. This book offers a thoughtful and practical approach to genealogical methodology that will appeal to both beginners and experienced researchers.
From a usability perspective, the book includes features that many information professionals value: a comprehensive index, detailed footnotes, and chapter-by-chapter references. These make it easy to navigate and to use as an ongoing reference rather than a one-time read.
One of the book’s strengths is its non-prescriptive approach. Rather than promoting a single “correct” way to conduct genealogical research, the author presents a range of options and approaches. This is particularly welcome in a field where research circumstances, record availability, and personal goals can vary widely.
Early in the book, the distinction between genealogy and family history is explored, with the reminder that “there is no correct scope for family history, and all sizes and shapes of project are equally valid.” This inclusive perspective sets the tone for what follows.
A standout chapter focuses on referencing. Instead of assuming a single national or institutional standard, the author surveys commonly used citation systems in international genealogical practice. Her practical advice—including the observation that “there are better things to do with your time than obsess over the use and position of a semi-colon!”—will resonate with many researchers.
I always learn something from a new genealogy book, and this was no exception. I discovered the Mary Hill colour-coding system, explored the use of Calmware, and picked up useful ideas for my One Place Study. The sections on timelines, mind maps, and identifying gaps in research were particularly helpful.
While the book is accessible for beginners, it also offers significant value to more experienced genealogists. It addresses methodological developments such as software, online resources, and DNA, encouraging readers to reassess and refine their practices rather than simply repeat familiar routines.
The UK focus will be especially relevant to Australian family historians, many of whom have ancestral roots in Britain. Importantly, the content is presented in a way that remains broadly applicable rather than narrowly regional.
The text is well supported by diagrams, illustrations, and reproductions of certificates, all of which enhance understanding. Case studies effectively demonstrate how the methods and resources discussed can be applied in practice.
The eleven chapters are logically structured, guiding the reader through locating, evaluating, using, recording, and sharing information. Most chapters conclude with clear summaries and practical action steps.
Overall, this is a valuable and thoughtful contribution to modern genealogical literature, combining sound methodology with practical guidance and international relevance.
Jill Ball
BA (Library Science), Grad. Dip Ed., M. Ed.
Ensuring that our relations have a profile on WikiTree has eaten up most of my research time recently. Direct Ancestors have been my priority.
Following are ancestor trees on RootsMagic. The yellow bars on left of names indicate that the person has a profile on WikiTree. The Orange dots on the right indicate that there is a hint on Ancestry, MyH, FMP or FamilySearch.
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| My Tree |
My ancestors in the Emerald Isle have created some research challenges. I've had more success on the husband's lines.
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| My Husband's Tree |
On St Patrick’s Day, I find myself reflecting on my Irish roots and the enduring legacy of the ancestors who came before me.
In recent years, DNA testing has added another dimension to my understanding of that heritage. Today, my Irish ancestry is estimated as:
23andMe: 70.9%
Ancestry: 64%
FTDNA: 49%
MyHeritage: Results pending
Like many family historians, I’ve discovered that ethnicity estimates can vary between testing companies. When I compare these figures with my traditional genealogical research, I believe my Irish ancestry likely sits somewhere between the higher estimates from 23andMe and Ancestry.
But beyond the percentages and data, it’s the people and their stories that matter most.
Today, I remember the Irish men and women in my family who made the long and often arduous journey from Ireland to Australia in the 19th century. Their courage, resilience, and determination laid the foundations for the generations that followed.
These ancestors have profiles at WikiTree:
Patrick Curry, who arrived aboard the Hooghley in 1825
Ellen Moore, on the Mariner in 1825
Dennis Tierney and Elizabeth D’Arcy, who travelled together on the China in 1839
Margaret McKeon, who came on the Earl Grey in 1841
Bridget Ryan, arriving on the British Empire in 1849
Michael Molloy, came before 1852
Catherine Connolly, who arrived before 1852
Mary Cregan, who travelled on the Derwent in 1850
Mary Kealy, arriving later on the Kapunda in 1877
Each of these names represents a story — of leaving home, crossing oceans, and building new lives in an unfamiliar land. Their journeys were not easy, but their legacy lives on in the lives of their descendants.
As I reflect this St Patrick’s Day, I’m reminded that family history is more than names and dates. It is about connection — to people, places, and the past.
It is also about preservation: ensuring that these stories are not lost, but carried forward for future generations. WikiTree provides an excellent platform to preserve those sstories
Today, I honour my Irish ancestors — and I remain grateful for the paths they forged.
Happy St Patrick’s Day. ☘️
Note: I used ChatGPT to tidy up my post and then defancified their flowery language and added links prior to posting.
