Adding social context into your family history research

Discover a new perspective on history beyond politics, wars, and famous figures. While history often revolves around the victorious and influential, it's important to remember that most of our ancestors never made it into the history books. Social history, on the other hand, focuses on the lives of ordinary people, offering a unique lens through which to understand the past.

Join us as we delve into the daily lives of our ancestors, uncovering how they lived, worked, and enjoyed their leisure time. While we may never have a complete picture of any individual ancestor, we can piece together their stories like a fascinating puzzle, finding fragments of information here and there. By examining their diaries, journals, and other available records, we can gain insights into specific moments of their lives.

By incorporating census data, birth, death, and marriage certificates, we can establish approximately ten key anchor points in our ancestors' lives. However, to truly understand their experiences, it's crucial to contextualize them within a specific time period and geographical location. This session aims to help you achieve that by exploring local, national, and global events that had significant social and historical impacts. By enriching your ancestors' micro history with broader historical narratives, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for their lives and the world they inhabited.

Join us for an engaging session on adding social history to your family history research. Discover how the stories of ordinary individuals intertwine with larger historical events, and learn valuable techniques for writing compelling narratives about your ancestors. Don't miss this opportunity to bring your family history to life!