Northamptonshire Genealogist
Family Tree Searcher Heather Nowlan
Where It All Started
So, I never really had any interest in my family history growing up. I wasn’t that keen on history as a subject either.
My turning point, like a lot of people, was the death of my Mum. Aside from relatives I wasn’t overly close with and my own family, it was now just me. I had a few family stories that were handed down, but my own family history was mostly a mystery.
However, like many people, I became curious about my family tree when it was too late to ask relatives questions. With no one to provide the answers I was seeking, I delved into family research. That was it, I was addicted and, from that point on, my life completely changed.
Dedicated Family Historian
Using Research to Reveal Family Stories
Researching my own family history began a lifelong passion and I started taking various recognised courses in order to help along my research. Over fifteen years later, and I am now a passionate family historian and genealogist for families across Northamptonshire. I still continue to take courses and develop my skills, adapting to new research tools that allow me to help families connect to their past. I have helped many people discover new branches on their family trees, find lost relatives living or long gone, and scale brick walls blocking new family discoveries.
My quest has involved finding secret families, half-siblings that didn’t know the other existed, quite a few bigamists, a murderer who was executed, and a line of insanity in a specific family branch.
Working in the Genealogical Community
I volunteer my time to help in various family history projects. This includes the Census Detectives, a small but dedicated troop of family historians travelling the many wonderful family history conferences and fairs in England and Wales. Professionally, I am also a part of multiple genealogical and family historian communities including acting as Vice Chair for the Board of Trustees of the Society of Genealogists.
Volunteer Projects
Courses and Qualifications
Continual professional development is essential as a practicing genealogist, and I have studied with a number of leading family history educational establishments to develop my knowledge and understand of this fascinating subject.
Having already attained the Intermediate Certificate in Family History Skills and Strategies from Pharos Tutors and the Society of Genealogists, I am now working towards the Advanced Certificate. I also continue to regularly attend short courses organised by Society of Genealogists, Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies, and various family history societies.
Genealogical Qualifications
Higher Certificate in Genealogy
Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS)
A comprehensive 24-module course in genealogical and heraldic skills, with a keen emphasis uncovering offline resources within local archives.
Family History Skills and Strategies Intermediate Certificate
Pharos Tutors
An online course, in partnership with the Society of Genealogists, comprising ten compulsory modules examining key research sources in genealogy, including apprenticeship records, military records, poor records, and migration.
Other completed courses include:
- Latin, Keele University
- Professional Genealogist – Become one, become a better one
- Irish Genealogy Essentials – Ulster Historical Foundation
- Tracing Beneficiaries
- Ireland – A Practical Approach to Family History
- Ireland- Further Steps in Family History
- Dead and Buried, Not Forgotten – Churchyards, Cemeteries and Their Records
- Fixed in Time and Place- Using Directories and Gazetteers in Genealogy
- The Parish Chest -There was more to life than baptism, marriage and burial
- Organizing Your Genealogy
- So You Think You Know FamilySearch – A Guided Tour
- In Sickness and in Death – Researching the ill-health and death of your ancestors
- Demystifying DNA for Family Historians
- Advanced Methods and Reports
- Church and Community, Selected Records 1540 – 1800
- Introduction to One-Name Studies
Historical Societies and Memberships
I belong to a number of family and local history organisations. These memberships support me in my research work by giving access to a wide variety of specialist libraries, resources, courses, and expertise. The organisations I belong to include:
- Society of Genealogists
- Friends of The National Archives
- Guild of One-Name Studies (GoONS)
- The Surname Society
- Virtual Genealogical Association
- Utah Genealogical Association
- Ulster Historical Foundation Guild
- The Irish Genealogical Research Society
- Derbyshire Family History Society
- Devon Family History Society
- East Yorkshire Family History Society
- Northamptonshire Family History Society
- Nottinghamshire Family History Society
- Family and Community Historical Research Society (FACHRS)
Journeying into My Past
Seeking out your family’s history, but not sure where to start? Fifteen years ago, that was me too! My blog is the story of my journey, including all its twists, turns, discoveries, and bombshells!
Get Help With Your Family History Challenges
Search For Your Family’s Past
You may have a specific question you would like answered, or a family story you want to know more about. I will be happy to help with smaller projects as well as those more substantial, searching the archives and other resources to unlock your family’s history.
