The Handbook of Family History Methods

The Handbook of Family History Methods is a short publication created by University of Lancashire Research Associate Brandon Reece Taylorian. It follows The Handbook of Antique Photographs, published in 2024, by broadening its remit to address best practices in family history research based on Taylorian's personal research journey. The handbook features tips and tricks on all aspects of the family history research process, including how to acquire resources like birth, marriage and death certificates, the importance of newspapers and other secondary sources to family history research, the role of religion in family history and other key topics of interest to family historians. Beyond the practical information it conveys, The Handbook of Family History Methods promotes a broader philosophy about family history: that family history can be used as a mode of inquiry to produce insights relevant to historians. The underlying message of the handbook is that, for too long, family history has been undervalued as an avenue for historical research. Taylorian uses examples from his academic research stemming from his discoveries in family history to promote the idea that family history can be made relevant beyond family members and has the potential to provide unique, in-depth insights on a range of topics significant in broader society and humanities research.