Family History Methods Workshops

Two workshops will be hosted by Associate Lecturer, Brandon Taylorian, this summer on methods and best practice for family history research. Both will feature a lecture including tips and tricks useful for beginners and seasoned family historians, followed by an interactive session during which attendees will get the chance to discuss their research with others and ask Brandon questions. The aim of the workshops is to teach attendees how to give their research historical relevance and frame it so that it interests non-family members. This will show that family history is a mode for serious historical inquiry and has many benefits to the public. Each attendee will receive a copy of the Handbook of Family History Methods designed by Brandon.

Each attendee must email Brandon at [email protected] to register for one or both workshops.

19th June 2025 from 6pm to 8pm in Livesey House 013

10th July 2025 from 6pm to 8pm in Livesey House 013

Family History Methods is an extension of the Dating Antique Photographs Project, which started in 2024. It not only aims to provide members of the public with the skills necessary to succeed in family history research, such as dating old photographs and searching for records but to give their research historical relevance. The goal is to advance family history as a vehicle for historical inquiry, given its potential to motivate academic research. To fulfil this aim, the project's workshops and handbook are designed to guide members of the public in identifying how their family history research can contribute to knowledge in ways that interest people outside their family and show the variety of outlets available to present their research. Brandon Taylorian, the Project Lead, will explain during the workshops how his family history research has led him to produce academic journal articles and other publications that have contributed to knowledge.