Julie Goucher ~ Anglers Rest

When I first started my genealogical research the IGI (International Genealogical Index) was only available via microfiche. There were the various LDS search rooms including the one in Hyde Park London, which had drawers and drawers of parish records on film. It was a complete treasure trove of data.

With the formation of the internet, the genealogical community has developed and developed. It is easy to see what is available now and be grateful that the information exists, but I believe that sometimes we love the progression and availability and yet we forget the journey the various genealogical information resources have been on.

Family Search, has been on quite a journey and I think on occasions we forget the wonderful resource it provides.

• Search – this facility is essentially the IGI. Whereas in those early days of my research the local studies department had the County in which I lived (Surrey) and part of the neighbouring County (Hampshire) other counties were accessed by visiting the London LDS library. The search facility is where you search for people.
• Wiki – this is the knowledge bank. There are currently over 75,000 articles about a whole host of genealogical material and places. This is where you search for places. You can see an example of a wiki entry HERE. This relates to one of my One-Place Studies
• Source Box – this is a relatively new facility and is one of my favourites. This is a similar facility to the Shoebox that is provided by Ancestry. Here you can create folders and save material you have downloaded from the site so that you can locate the material again or process later, when convenient.
• Photographs  – You can add your photographs to the site
• Documents – You can add your documents to the site
• Trees – You can add your family tree to the site
• Indexes – You can give back to the genealogy community by getting involved in an indexing & transcription program.
• ……and much more

QUESTIONNAIRE

1. What is the most important detail you want to find about your ancestors?

Whatever data I can find that has survived the test of time.

2. Do you buy certificates?

Yes, for direct lines and also for those individuals where I have a hunch I want to prove or disprove.

3. Do you belong to a paid subscription site, if so, which one/s?

Probably too many. I have worldwide subscriptions to both FindMyPast and Ancestry. I also have had subscriptions to The Genealogist and Origins, when I have wanted to access specific record groups – such as Non-Conformist records. I also belong to some Societies that have datasets on line

4. What has been your ‘best’ find?

I don’t think I have a best find; I am always amazed at what documentation has survived.

5. Who is your favourite ancestor and why?

I have answered this before in the various Gene Meme and I do not want to repeat myself, but there are so many interesting characters in my family and wider genealogy. It does not matter if they had done remarkable things or were basic and down to earth people, they all have their place.

6. What are you looking for on a regular basis?

Consistently well documented research, including that done by me! – I seek whatever data I can,that will enable me to flesh out the lives of my ancestors.

7. Do you belong to any genealogy group, or family history society?

Oh yes, to many really. I am a founder member of the Anglo Italian FHS, I have belonged to the West Surrey, Hampshire Genealogical Society and Sussex Family History Group for many years. I also belong to the Families in British India Society and the Society of Genealogists. I am a member of the Guild of One-Name Studies and I am a founder member and secretary of the newly formed Society for One-Place Studies.

8. Do you belong to any Facebook or other social media genealogy groups? Would you join if there was one available?

Yes, I belong to several and find that this new generation of family history groups has in part overtaken the Rootsweb mailing lists.

9. Have you ever volunteered to transcribe, index etc.? Would you be interested in doing so?

Over the years I have volunteers in various capacities for various Societies. My first stint as a volunteer was checking monumental inscription transcripts for the West Surrey FHS. Since then I was Vice Chair to the Anglo Italian FHS and am Currently Secretary for the Society for One-Place Studies. I am also a member of the marketing sub-committee for the Guild of One Name Studies.

10. What is your personal reason for being involved with genealogy/family history?

To understand the path taken by my ancestors to shape me into the person I have become.