Family History in Lockdown

Well here we are again, back in lockdown.  As a Victorian, this is my sixth, and it is time to get back into organising my family history files, checking that all my research is properly recorded and filed.  The time definitely goes faster when I have a project to immerse myself in.

I expect we are all guilty of occasionally letting filing and updating get a little behind, and I have certainly got some catching up to do.  My printed family sheets, that I use when researching, are covered in scribbled notes and references to new documents I have found.  My 'new' folder of documents that I need to check are properly referenced on my family group sheets and filed in their appropriate folders is starting to bulge.  My backup files could do with updating too.  I really have a fair bit of work to do.

There has been a number of special opportunities made available to Family Historians around the world during lockdowns.  Ancestry has allowed many libraries subscribing to Ancestry Library Edition, normally only accessed on site, to be accessed from home by members.  For Campaspe Library members, go to the library homepage and click on Genealogy in the page menu, then click on Databases.  There you will find the link for Ancestry Library Edition from Home.  Follow the prompts to type in your library card number and PIN, and enjoy free access to the worldwide database from home.

Another great resource to access right now are the digital records available through the National Archives UK.  While their Reading Room access is limited due to restrictions, they have been offering all their digital records you would normally pay to obtain for free.  Registered users are able to order and download up to 10 items at a time, to a maximum of 100 items every 30 days.  And yes, registration is free as well.

If that isn't enough to keep me occupied, I still have several videos to watch from the truly excellent 'Family History Down Under' conference held earlier this year.  So many knowledgeable speakers, so much learning to do.  Then there are the many events listed for Family History Month Australasia 2021, which is held throughout August.  While I expect a number of events will be cancelled or postponed because of the current situation around the country, many were already planned to be held online and hopefully will still go ahead.

So to everyone out there who is locked down at home right now, take some time to revisit your family history, make sure all your research is up to date and backed up, and take advantage of the various free learning and researching opportunities out there.  I've only touched on a few.  There are more out there - so go find them!