Finding the Roots and Branches of Your Family Tree

One of thousands of photographs taken by a Brampton photographer at the turn of the century.

There are a few rules for beginning genealogists.

You will require an Archives Registration Card, which you can obtain from us. After describing your needs, the Reference Archivist will direct you to the sources most likely to be of use. For example, if you are interested in family history, your first stop would be the Census Returns microfilm, which covers the years 1851-1911. If you are interested in property research you might be directed to our 1859 Peel County map, or the 1877 Historical Atlas of Peel with landowners’ names.

• First, arm yourself with a notebook and starting with yourself, record birth and marriage information.
• Start a separate page for each of your parents, and record what you know about them. Each parent had two parents – start pages for them. Now you have six individuals to research.
• Try to find a name, place and date for each birth, marriage and death in your immediate family.
• Record the names of churches, cemeteries and hospitals – anything that might be helpful in tracking down official records.
• Look for important family papers such as birth certificates, immigration papers, old photograph albums, etc.

It’s important to talk to family members, especially seniors. Most seniors are thrilled that someone is taking an interest in them and the family history.

Here are some helpful links:

• Cindi's List
• Family Search