Research Tips

1. Start with what you already have

Before you dive into archives and databases, “mine” your own home and family network:

• Write down what you know (names, nicknames, dates, places, occupations, schools, churches, stations/farms, towns).

• Collect and scan the basics: birth/marriage/death certificates, funeral cards, letters, diaries, photos, awards, newspaper clippings.

• Ask relatives early (especially older family members). Memories and context are precious, and time-sensitive.

Quick win: Create a simple timeline (year-by-year) and plug in every confirmed fact you have.

2. Research in layers (don’t jump straight to “deep”)

A clean workflow saves hours:

1. Confirm identities (full names, maiden names, middle names, spelling variations).

2. Confirm places (town, district, property name, station name, shire).

3. Confirm dates (even approximate ranges help).

4. Then expand into newspapers, schools, organisations, land records, cemeteries, and local histories.

3. Use smart search strategies

A few “pro” moves that work everywhere:

• Try spelling variations (e.g., Mc / Mac, shortened first names, initials).

• Search using context terms: occupation, town, school, regiment/unit, property name, church.

• Use date ranges rather than a single year.

• If you find one strong record, look for connected records (siblings, neighbours, witnesses, employers).

Tip: People moved, but patterns repeat — school → early work → marriage → land/property → community groups → obituary.

4. Validate before you believe

Treat every record like a clue until it’s confirmed.

• Aim to confirm key facts with at least two independent sources.

• Be cautious with user-submitted trees and unsourced claims.

• If two records conflict, keep both, note the conflict, and keep searching.

Rule of thumb: The “best” source is often the one created closest in time to the event.

5. Capture the story, not just the stats

Dates and names matter — but TOCAH research is also about lived experience.

• Record occupations, community roles, and “day-to-day” life (schools, work, travel, droughts/floods, local events).

• Add context: What was happening in the district at the time? (industry, transport, wars, local institutions).

• Save small details — they bring history to life.

6. Oral history: how to get gold-quality interviews

If you’re recording an interview (audio/video or written):

• Prepare 10–15 open questions (e.g., “Tell me about…”, “What was it like when…?”).

• Start broad, then go specific: childhood → school → work → community → family → major events.

• Use gentle prompts: “What do you remember seeing/smelling/hearing?” (instant memory unlock).

• Ask permission before recording, and confirm what can be published/shared.

Best practice: Save the interview file + a written summary + key timestamps/chapters.

7. Track sources like a pro (future-you will thank you)

Every time you save a fact, write down:

• What it is (e.g., “Obituary for Francis Gibson Fraser”)

• Where it came from (publication/collection/site/organisation)

• When you accessed it (date)

• Any reference ID (URL, catalogue number, page number)

Simple system: A spreadsheet with columns for Name, Event, Date, Place, Source, Notes, Link/Ref.

8. Handle photos, artefacts and documents safely

• Store originals in acid-free sleeves/boxes, away from heat, moisture and sunlight.

• Scan important items at high quality (photos: 600 dpi, documents: 300 dpi).

• Name files clearly: Surname_Firstname_Year_Town_ItemType.jpg

• Add a text note: who is in it, where it is, and why it matters.

9. Privacy, permissions and respectful research

Some stories and records are sensitive. Please research and share with care:

• Get consent where possible for living people and private stories.

• Be respectful when writing about illness, trauma, family conflict or criminal matters.

• Follow cultural warnings and guidance where relevant, especially regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content and the names/images of deceased people.

When in doubt: pause, ask, and document your decision-making.

10. Stuck? Use the TOCAH method

If you hit a wall:

• Go back to the timeline: what’s the missing link?

• Search sideways: siblings, spouses, neighbours, schools, workplaces.

• Zoom out to district history and local newspapers to rebuild context.

• Reach out to the TOCAH Committee — we can often point you to the next best step.