Mr. Thomas Brown: married at 110, 45 years after he died?
Miss Eliza Turner: born three years after her mother passed away?
And then there’s poor John Smith – apparently fathering children on two continents simultaneously in the 1790s...
If you’ve ever raised an eyebrow at some of the “creative liberties” taken in online family trees, you're not alone. Join us for a lively and informative workshop that dives into the wild world of genealogical myths, muddles and just plain mistakes.
This session will help you:
- Spot suspicious entries in online family trees
- Identify common red flags and misinterpretations
- Understand the kinds of sources that can confirm or refute dubious claims
- Learn how to approach conflicting records with confidence and care
We’ll start with a few jaw-dropping real-life examples of how things can go hilariously (or heartbreakingly) wrong. Then we’ll unpack the research methods and source types – from parish registers and probate records to census returns and civil registrations – that can help separate fact from fiction.
You’ll also get the chance to test your sleuthing skills: we’ll present you with some glaring howlers and challenge you to spot the lie. Depending on numbers, we may split into breakout groups for a bit of collaborative detective work!
This session is ideal for beginner and intermediate researchers who want to sharpen their critical thinking, brush up on good research habits and perhaps have a quiet chuckle at some of the more improbable tales floating around online'?
Warning: includes genealogical ghosts, impossible births and time-travelling ancestors.
- Bring your curiosity, your sense of humour and your detective’s notebook – and let’s uncover the truth behind the trees!
- To get the most from this workshop you will need to be able to access genealogy websites on another device or screen during the session.
- This event will not be recorded so that you can feel comfortable joining in.
Click here for information about our events. Contact events@sog.org.uk if you have any questions.
About the Speaker
Mrs Hilary Blanford
Hilary first became interested in her family’s history as a teenager when finding her great grandparents’ marriage certificate and discovered that they had been married by one of the Baden Powell family. This interest was fuelled by another family member showing her how to record family history. Post retirement she has enjoyed unravelling family relationships, especially using DNA tools. She is currently the Chairman of the East Surrey Family History Society and enjoys teaching and helping others in their genealogical research. She is a retired occupational therapist. Her last teaching post was as senior lecturer and course leader at the University of Westminster before returning to a clinical role in a research post.
