What Was Your Ancestor's Job?

 

Work, Ford Madox Brown, Public Domain

A whole new route of ancestral exploration can be opened up if you know what your relative’s occupation was.  Many of mine were “ag labs” or crofters, and there is, as far as I know, no comprehensive list of everyone in those lines of work, but when they were nurses, weavers, clergymen, police officers, or miners, I might have better success.

Many libraries, archives, and historical societies maintain occupation-specific lists or indexes of local people, such as Renfrewshire Heritage Centre’s collection of Paisley weavers, hammermen and tailors’ records.  

Glasgow City Archives holds a computerised database of police officers' service records up to 1939.  The records themselves include information about the officers and their families.

Other sources are freely available online, and hopefully one or two of my suggestions here will give you some ideas to pursue.

 

Specific occupations

One resource that has been useful for my research on a couple of branches of the family is the Clergy of the Church of England Directory, 1540-1835.  This reference tool not only lists ordained clergy, but also shows the chronological order in which they served in each parish – in effect, providing a bit of history for the area, too.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Book Trade Index provided a ready-made career timeline for my 3rd great-grandfather, Thomas Paterson, a lithographic printer in Glasgow.  Anyone in the Scottish printing or publishing trades, including booksellers, stationers and papermakers, may be listed here.

If your relative operated their printing or publishing business in England or Wales, the British Book Trade Index, hosted by the Bodleian Library, covers similar occupations up until 1851. 

Working on the railways has always been a hazardous job, and the Railway Work, Life & Death website has for some years been compiling a database of those who met with accidents in the course of their railway occupations.  This covers Britain and Ireland from the late 1800s until the Second World War.

House historians as well as genealogists may find the Dictionary of Scottish Architects 1660-1980 valuable.  It gives biographical details plus a list of the known works of each architect in Scotland, and in turn a history of each of their buildings.  For instance, the entry for Glasgow School of Art has a chronology showing events in its history, from the 1896 competition held for its design until an award for its lighting in 1990.  A list of the unsuccessful competition entrants reads like a who's who of eminent Scottish architects of the day. 

 

Voluntary Work

People who did unpaid work may also be found in lists, such as the Red Cross Volunteers of WWI.  More than 90,000 individuals volunteered for the organisation, both at home and overseas, during the Great War.

A quick surname search finds a woman who sewed bandages for 2 hours every fortnight for 4 years, and was awarded the Red X Badge and Certificate in recognition of her work. 

Other entries include those for well-known figures such as Agatha Christie and E. M. Forster. 

 

E-books

It’s not only databases that can give you significant leads for your family tree.  E-books that might be obscure or difficult to source on paper can be found if you know where to look – in this case, the FamilySearch Catalogue, which when searched by ancestral surname, includes this handy volume in its results:

A Whispering in the Hearth – Lives of our Scottish Coalmining Ancestors   The author documents her mining ancestors, along with useful background information about the work of all those who laboured in the industry, what life was like for them, and the areas of Scotland that coalmining covered. You can read it online, or download individual pages or the whole book, in PDF format.

I've listed other e-book and digital sources, like trade directories, that could prove helpful in a previous blog post.

Directory of Directories

If you haven’t already heard of Cyndi’s List, it’s one of the longest-running genealogy websites around.  Divided into categories and sub-categories, it includes a directory of occupation-related resources that are relevant to family historians. Delve into the links and related subjects and get lost for a while!

    

 

Social Media

If you’re interested in learning about some of the more obscure occupations in your family tree, follow @ScientistSoph on Twitter where Sophie Kay regularly posts her #OccupationOfTheDay. 

The Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre: A Visit

 

Garnethill Synagogue, Glasgow

If you're in the Glasgow area, and have an interest in history (family, local, or international), in architecture or Judaism, this is THE place to visit.

Having recently undergone extensive refurbishment, the building, which houses the historic Garnethill Synagogue and the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre, now also includes a Holocaust-era studies centre, all part of the newly-launched Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre. 

This, the oldest purpose-built synagogue in Scotland, was designed by John McLeod of Dumbarton and opened in 1879, although the earliest recorded Jewish community in Glasgow dates from about 1821.  Tours of the synagogue itself have long been a regular feature of the annual Doors Open Day programme, but today I was honoured to join the first public tour of the revamped and modernised Heritage Centre.

The synagogue or shul was built for an Orthodox congregation which it still serves, so the layout of the prayer hall is quite traditional.  The Holy Ark at the east end is mightily impressive, as are the stained glass windows throughout the entire building.  Our guides explained the different features, traditions, and significance of each element of the space.  It is a beautiful place with a long and important heritage in both the Jewish and the wider community.

Holy Ark, Garnethill Synagogue

Interior, Garnethill Synagogue

You can read more about the synagogue’s history and architecture on its website. 

Moving downstairs to the newer parts of the Centre, our guides showed us a fascinating timeline display of Jewish history in Scotland, starting from the 18th century, illustrated with documents and photographs up until the present day.  We then got to look at the new Archives Centre, which tantalisingly also had a small bookshop that I had come totally unprepared for – fortunately it also has a website, which will likely be inflicting some damage on my credit card shortly.

Scottish Jewish Archives Centre

Scottish Jewish Archives Centre

This is an area where members of the public are welcome to use the specialist record collections and databases to trace the history of their Jewish families, many of whom will have been immigrants and, indeed, refugees from European nations during times of persecution and conflict.  Included is a complete set of the Glasgow-published Jewish Echo newspaper, a valuable source for family historians.  The Archives room also features a display highlighting prominent events and people in the city's Jewish community.

Postcard sent by Jewish refugee

Our final stop for the tour was the newly-created Holocaust-era studies centre. This houses a small library and study/meeting room for groups of young people learning important lessons from history about prejudice, displacement, and inclusion.  Using copies of immigration records, identity cards, letters, and so on, they can see life-changing events through the eyes of refugees.  Especially in the context of the current upheaval in Afghanistan, it's all the more relevant for students to focus on and understand the causes of the Holocaust and how to prevent it from happening again.

Holocaust Timeline Display, Succah

This part of the Centre has been created in the Succah, the area of the synagogue traditionally used to celebrate the harvest festival of Sukkot.  It has been transformed into a simple but powerful exhibition area, showing in detail the timeline of the Holocaust, its effects on various groups, and the experiences of those who escaped to safety in different parts of Scotland. Other displays highlight those who made this country their home, raised families, and made significant contributions to society.

Glasgow & Ayrshire Jewish Communities Display

I really appreciated the warm welcome extended by the tour guides, the breadth and depth of their knowledge of the building and its history, and their enthusiasm in explaining their tradition to visitors.  I can wholeheartedly recommend the tours which take place weekly and may be booked online.  School groups can also book time to visit the Centre as part of topic studies on religion or history.

Scottish Jewish Archives Centre

Upskilling for Genealogists

Having looked at some online events coming soon in last week’s blog post, this week I wanted to share some more ideas for improving or refreshing your genealogy skills.  There are various opportunities, both online and in person, to enrol in free courses that will help you do just that.  Here are a few suggestions.

 

FutureLearn

FutureLearn is an online education provider offering courses at a variety of levels, in partnership with established institutions such as the Open University.  Some of their free short courses are of particular relevance to genealogists.

From Quakers to railways, Highland clans to suffragettes, there is plenty to appeal to those with an interest in history.  There are also some courses aimed specifically at family historians: palaeography, Scottish genealogy, and using the British Library’s resources are some key ones, but there are others.  Have a browse through their list of free courses to see what catches your eye. 

To join a course, register your interest, and you’ll receive an email when a place becomes available.  Courses run more than once a year, so even if demand is high, you’ll be able to take part at some point.  Online learning materials, videos, and discussion forums allow you to learn at your own pace and chat with others on the same course. 

Be prepared, though, for the regular reminders to “upgrade” so that you can receive a certificate of completion or have longer access to the course materials.  These can be a bit annoying but there is no obligation to fork out for any of the free courses; simply dismiss these ads when they pop up, or delete the emails!

 

BYU Family History Library        

There are plenty of webinars, classes, tutorials and learning videos on this (mercifully ad-free) website.  Some are pre-recorded, some are live and interactive, but be aware of the 7-hour time difference between the library and the UK if you’re planning to watch a live broadcast.  For instance, the Sunday Zoom classes are live but recorded, so if you miss one you can catch up with it later.

Content in the classes and webinars deals with using the records of many different countries around the world, using the free resources of FamilySearch. Topics like DNA testing, Ancestry.com, and breaking down brick walls also feature in the schedule. Handouts are available to download, too, and there is a live chat function which allows you to contact the librarians for research advice.  There is also a live help service using Zoom, Monday-Friday, where you can connect with the help desk volunteers - again, it's in Mountain Standard Time (BST/GMT -7 hours).

 

In-Person Courses

Family history societies, local heritage centres, public libraries, and archives may also run on-site classes teaching research skills, perhaps focusing on special interest themes or the records they hold.  While these may not all be free of charge, the course fees will help support community groups and services.

Check the websites of your nearest research locations to see if they offer courses or are holding special events to highlight their collections and facilities to the public. 

 

Free in September

 

September looks like it’s going to be a good month for free genealogy online conferences and classes.  Here are just a few that anyone can register for and watch… 

RQG Conference – Genealogy & Social History: Know Your Ancestors

Saturday 25 September

Guest speakers include house historian Melanie Backe-Hansen.  Presentations will cover a variety of topics throughout the day – keep an eye on the website for the conference programme which will be posted soon! 

Legacy Family Tree Webtember

Happening each Friday in September - in total, 30 pre-recorded webinars will be available and free to watch all month.  You can follow them live or catch up on the archive, and the programme features popular speakers on a wide range of family history subjects, ranging from DNA to Overcoming Genealogical Angst (that one sounds interesting).  And learn some new skills for doing research in the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, or the USA. 

Family History Library Classes 

These individual sessions are aired live during the week and on Saturdays, usually late afternoon/early evening UK time, and are presented in English and Spanish.  Just a few of the classes cover tips on writing your family’s history, Caribbean research, using FamilySearch.org; or you can even join a Q&A session on US and Canadian genealogy and ask the expert your burning research question.  See the September calendar and pick the classes you want to sign up for.

Scottish Indexes

Saturday 4 September

Emma and Graham Maxwell's successful conferences have been going for over a year.  If you have Scottish heritage, you'll find lots of useful ideas and background information here to help you build your family tree.  This month, DNA genealogist Michelle Leonard and FindMyPast's Myko Clelland are just two of the specialist speakers on the programme.

Now Open: Scotland

Tarbat Discovery Centre

Heritage venues around Scotland are beginning to reopen after extended closure periods, and travel restrictions having lifted mean that more of us will be getting out and about on research trips!

Here, I’m highlighting just a few places to visit, but do check with the relevant local authority or tourist office to find out what’s happening in your area of interest.  VisitScotland is a good source of information about current openings, as well as the limitations that still apply across the country regarding things like ferry travel or indoor activities.  

In the Highlands, Tarbat Discovery Centre has been able to start receiving visitors again and will do so until the end of October, Wednesday-Saturday each week.  This very atmospheric museum, housed in a former church, is well worth a wee detour from the North Coast 500, or the short drive from Inverness.  They’re also looking for local volunteers to help staff the museum.  

In Lanarkshire, Airdrie Local Studies Discovery Room, housed on the first floor of the public library, will be reopening this Thursday (28^th July) for local and family history research on Thursdays and Fridays 11:00–12:30 and 14:00-15:30. Visit their website for more information and to book an appointment.

For those with Clyde shipbuilding in the family, Fairfield Heritage Museum in Govan is reopening too.  Starting from Tuesday August 3rd, they will once again be welcoming visitors and telling the story of the famous shipyard.  Visits are by free ticket until further notice, every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, with social distancing measures in place.  You can book your ticket via Eventbrite.  

And I've just booked a tour of the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre in Glasgow city centre, not far from the School of Art.  It's based in the beautiful Garnethill Synagogue, the first purpose-built synagogue in Scotland, and has the most exquisite stained glass.  As well as taking a guided tour of the Centre, you can benefit from the resources of its Archives, including the Scottish Holocaust-era collection.

For the time being, face coverings will be required indoors in public spaces in Scotland, so make sure you have a good supply of them to cover your trip!

RootsTech 2022 News!

 

Good news from FamilySearch recently– there will be a repeat of their successful virtual show, RootsTech Connect, next year.  See the official announcement for more details.

Some genealogists will be disappointed at the accompanying news about the postponement of RootsTech’s live shows, previously scheduled for London this October and Salt Lake City next February.  However, with the current fluctuating travel and public health restrictions around the world, this seems the safest option, avoiding any last-minute cancellations. 

Visit the official press release to learn more and to sign up for RootsTech’s email newsletter.  

As the first RootsTech Connect event this year demonstrated, it's possible to hold an international, diverse, and extensive show online.  FamilySearch’s resources have also allowed them to make it freely available to everyone with an internet connection, and the 2022 event will be the same.  The hundreds of online video presentations that are a key feature of the virtual show are available until next year, so whether you want to find out how to research ancestors from China, Mexico or Italy (or many other countries), you can find ideas and learn new skills there.  Other subjects covered by the videos include organising your records, using DNA to trace relatives, and telling your own family’s story. 

You can search for content and build your own playlist on the show website.

And do check out my two RootsTech presentations:

The Riches of the Scottish Kirk Session Records 

Full of lively and colourful snapshots from the everyday lives of your Scottish ancestors, the Kirk Session Records contain a fascinating breadth of information.  Learn what they can tell you, and best of all, they are now completely free to access on the ScotlandsPeople website! 

Scottish Vital Records on ScotlandsPeople 

Learn how to use the official website for Scottish records to search for your ancestors’ information-packed certificates.  Using examples, you can learn what to expect in certificates of post-1854 births, marriages, and deaths; how to interpret them; and how they can give vital clues leading you to other records.

Free resources from home, via your public library

Although many libraries are starting to re-open after an extended shutdown, they may still be offering free home access to internet resources by way of compensation for the closure.  These often include subscription websites that are of interest to family historians.

All that’s needed is an online account with the relevant library.  Check your local library’s website for information about the services they are making available remotely to their members. You may need to re-register online to take full advantage of their free resources, which could include one or more of the following:

Ancestry has a Library Edition which has proved a popular choice with public libraries.  Some services, such as those in Manchester and North Lanarkshire, have also partnered with Ancestry to give readers free access to records local to their areas, such as church or poor relief registers.

FindMyPast provides a similar service through some libraries’ websites.

SCRAN is a website from Historic Environment Scotland hosting audio and visual resources from museums, galleries, archives and the media around the UK.

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography gives full access to subscribers, including those signing in with their local library’s credentials. 

For some of these websites, you can access their full content through a link on their home page that says something like “Sign in via your institution”.  Select your library’s name from the list that will appear (if you don’t see your library listed, it doesn’t provide access to that particular resource).  You will then be able to sign in with your own library account number and passcode.

A multitude of digital resources are available at home, free of charge, to all residents of Scotland, through the National Library’s website.  They include several newspaper databases such as the Times, the Scotsman, and the British Library Collections, as well as the excellent British Newspaper Archive.  Some of the sites restrict the number of NLS users that can access them at one time, but these are clearly indicated on the list of websites.  

Normally you would need to either have your own subscription or a university library account to use many of these resources, so it is well worth registering for an NLS account if you live in Scotland.  If you don’t live in Scotland, though, don’t despair; many of the Library’s online treasures are free on the open web, such as their Maps collection or the Moving Image Archive. 

Finally, if you’re disappointed with the lack of such resources through your local library, why not petition the powers that be to provide them?  You can find information online about products such as FindMyPast’s Community Edition, and pass on your suggestions to a librarian.  Alternatively, if you use and are happy with your library's digital services, give them positive feedback and encourage them to continue providing remote access after normal opening hours are resumed.  This may be especially important if library services are considering cutting back opening times in the near future.