Genealogical research is the process of mapping an individual’s ancestry by consulting a range of historical records. Genealogy research services are useful to individuals and families as well as executors, solicitors, trustees, corporations, companies and custodians for locating lost, unknown or forgotten people, property and assets. Often conflated with family history research, genealogical research is a fact-based practice that focuses more strongly on hard data than narrative accounts, social context and oral history which are typically associated with family histories.
The uses of genealogical research
Providing access to official historical resources such as census records, vital records, city directories, probate records, real estate records, military records, immigration records and more, genealogy research services offer a range of uses for individuals as well as corporate entities seeking to locate lost persons or unclaimed assets.
When working with a professional genealogy research team, you need to provide a detailed brief of your needs in order to receive an estimated quote, a projected timeline and an outline of the research process. Prepare all the documentation and existing sources you have access to in advance, communicate clearly with your research team and define realistic outcome goals. The team will then proceed to undertake the research as per your brief and keep you updated on progress throughout the process. The research findings will be prepared and delivered according to your requested format.
Enlisting professional genealogy services can support the following objectives:
- Gathering evidence for intestacy and other estate matters across all Australian jurisdictions.
- Navigating and interpreting disparate state and national unclaimed property regulations and legislation via the use of specialist resources.
- Reuniting lost account holders and owners with unclaimed assets by engaging unclaimed property case managers and recovery specialists.
- Benefiting from a rapid asset recovery process by utilising extensive networks and experienced research teams.
- Accessing custom-developed research and communication programs to suit a range of personal and professional scenarios.
Historical research for companies and custodians
This type of historical research can help uncover, prove and document important history about your business to contribute to the company culture, enhance brand awareness and connect with customers. Historical research can also be utilised to track and reconnect with lost customers or assets.
Historical research for companies and custodians can be delivered in the following formats:
- A company timeline and/or a summary of your organisation’s history to share across your channels, or to publish in a printed format such as a coffee table book.
- A keynote speech to commemorate a significant milestone in your company’s history.
- A historical account of your company based on interviews with credible nominated staff or stakeholders to construct a verbal company knowledge report.
- Historical property research that can be used by property owners, developers, vendors and clients.
- Asset research that can identify and recover unclaimed assets.
Historical research for schools and communities
This type of historical research can add value to schools and communities by uncovering, proving and documenting significant events and progressions in the past that have led to present-day success and milestones.
Historical research for schools and communities can be delivered in the following formats:
- Written stories that celebrate milestone events, presented in both digital and printed mediums.
- Personal or historical biographies that document the contribution of an individual or a group of people to your school or community. These accounts can be presented in various mediums, including written interview transcripts, digital recordings and video material.
- Curated presentations based on existing collections and internal archives to help establish and/or organise your school or community’s historical data. Such a curation service could be employed to produce an encompassing body of work aimed at your desired audience.
Types of genealogy resources
Countless resources can be consulted to research the genealogy of an individual or an organisation. The most common types of historical research resources include vital records, family sources and published sources.
- Vital records include essential documentation such as birth records, death certificates, marriage certificates, court papers, probate records and wills. These sources often serve as the starting point in genealogy research projects.
- Family sources refer to an extensive range of records and documents that may be obtained from a person’s close relatives in order to gain comprehensive knowledge about the applicable individual or organisation. These findings can include citizenship papers, adoption records, credit statements, address books, emigration records, family heirlooms, ancestral writings and personal diaries, employment records, legal documents, income tax forms, property tax receipts, life insurance papers, passports, and notes from previous family searches.
- Published sources include state libraries, city directories, official databases, newspapers, documented town histories, telephone directories, and genealogical periodicals.
Worthington Clark is a boutique family-owned and operated professional genealogy and asset research firm in Sydney with over 40 years of specialist experience in genealogy research for lawyers, trustees, companies, executors and beneficiaries. Request a quote for genealogy research services from your genealogy specialists today.