When the sun’s out and temperatures rise, it can feel tempting to put the genealogy research on pause. But summer offers some brilliant opportunities for genealogists, whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting out.
If you’re keen to stay cool while making progress on your family tree, here are six productive and enjoyable ways to continue your genealogy journey during the warmer months.
1. Explore Cemeteries | Genealogy
Cemetery visits are a staple of hands-on genealogy. In summer, longer daylight hours make it easier to plan a trip to a local or ancestral graveyard. To avoid the hottest part of the day, aim for early morning or early evening. Don’t forget to take a camera, notepad, and plenty of water. You might even spot gravestones or inscriptions you’ve missed before, now that the light is different.
2. Cool Off in Local Archives | Genealogy
Public archives and family history centres are a summer haven; they’re quiet, air-conditioned, and packed with records just waiting to be uncovered. Many local libraries and county archives extend their opening hours during summer and often host exhibitions or talks on local history. It’s a great time to dive into parish records, census returns, or local directories that may hold hidden gems.
3. Organise Your Research Indoors | Genealogy
Staying inside on a hot day isn’t a bad thing when you’ve got stacks of paperwork and folders to go through. Summer is a brilliant time to organise your digital files, sort through old photographs, scan documents, and make sure your records are backed up. This behind-the-scenes work pays off in spades when your next breakthrough comes.
4. Make the Most of Family Gatherings
Summer is prime time for family barbecues, reunions, and weekends away, the perfect setting to gather family history. Bring a small notebook or use your phone to jot down stories, names, and memories. Often, a casual chat over a cuppa can unlock anecdotes or relatives’ names you’ve never heard before.
5. Visit Places That Mattered to Your Ancestors
If you’re heading away on holiday in the UK, why not plan a visit to a village, street, or landmark linked to your ancestors? Whether it’s a church, a former workplace, or even a farm, walking in your relatives’ footsteps can be a powerful and personal experience. Take notes, photographs, and if possible, speak to locals or visit the town’s local history society.
6. Take a Short Genealogy Course or Webinar
When it’s too hot to do anything else, sit back and learn. Many genealogy societies offer online courses, workshops, or talks during the summer. Whether you’re curious about DNA, military records, or how to crack brick walls, it’s a great way to build your skills and you can do it all from the comfort of your living room.
Final Thoughts
At Family Wise, we believe that every family story is worth discovering, and we’re here to help you enjoy the journey. Whether you’re just starting or diving into long-lost secrets, our friendly team is ready to guide you with expert research, thoughtful support, and a big dose of curiosity.
From tracing your roots to making sense of surprising finds, we walk alongside you every step of the way with care, compassion, and a genuine love for connecting people with their past.
Because in the end, exploring your family history isn’t just about the past, it’s about finding joy, connection, and a deeper sense of who you are today. Ready to jump in? Contact us today!
