In the preceding weeks, The Global Genealogist has focused exclusively on Step 1 of our six-step approach to researching your global family history. We’ve discussed how studying the geographical, historical, and cultural context of your ancestors’ homeland, is a critical step in providing an initial foundation for understanding the broader world they lived in. We’ve emphasized the importance of giving yourself a history lesson and the value of taking a virtual tour. Now it’s time to begin formulating our genealogy research plan. But first, we need to engage in a quick reality check.
Genealogy research varies widely depending on where in the world your ancestors lived. If your research so far has been rooted in Western record collections, you may have grown accustomed to easily accessible census records, birth and death certificates, and church registries. However, when researching in non-Western countries—or even in some European nations—you may find that such records simply do not exist, are inaccessible due to privacy laws, or have been lost due to wars, natural disasters, or government mismanagement.
Before diving into your research, it’s important to accept the reality that you may not be able to access the records you are hoping to find. Some countries never conducted census counts. Others did not have centralized vital records until relatively recently, making it difficult to trace individuals before a certain point in time. Governments may have strict data protection laws that prevent non-citizens from obtaining birth or marriage records. Or, in some cases, a country’s archives may be disorganized, incomplete, or even nonexistent.
These realities can be frustrating, especially if you’re used to the wealth of information available in places like the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. But acknowledging these challenges from the start will help prevent disappointment later. Genealogy research is about uncovering what is available, not forcing an outcome based on expectations built from researching in a different part of the world.
That said, adjusting your expectations does not mean giving up hope. Just because certain records may be unavailable does not mean your research journey is at a dead end. Even if you can’t find a birth certificate or marriage record for an ancestor, there are still plenty of alternative ways to piece together their story. Oral histories, local newspapers, land deeds, military records, immigration documents, and religious records can all provide valuable insights. In some cases, you may need to rely on indirect evidence—such as records of an ancestor’s siblings or extended family—to reconstruct their life story.
In the coming weeks, we will explore creative workarounds and alternative sources to help you uncover the past, even when traditional records are lacking. From tapping into local community knowledge to utilizing DNA analysis, there are many ways to build a compelling and accurate picture of your ancestor’s life.
The key takeaway? Go into your research with an open mind. Be prepared for obstacles but also be ready to think outside the box. Genealogy is as much about resourcefulness and persistence as it is about documentation. By adjusting your expectations, you will set yourself up for a more rewarding and insightful research experience, no matter where your ancestors called home.
