Sources for Family History and how to find individuals

Who were they?

In Fife Cultural Trust we have various sources of information available in all libraries via the public access machines. All you need is your library card number and pin to start your search for an individual or your whole family. Using these sites you will only be charged for what you print out. Recommended reading before you start is our guide How to get started with Family History

A quick guide to the resources available through all Fife Libraries

• Each library in Fife gives free access to the ancestryinstitution website via the public access network

Useful sites for Family History via the internet

• Scotland’s people is the most comprehensive database for Scottish family history however each individual needs to have their own paid for account.
• Our archives may have reference to a Fife ancestor on our catalogue

Resources for you to access in the four local history centres

• Census – from 1841 to 1901 the four local history centres have microfilm records for the whole of Fife. Each centre has microfilm readers and printers.
• Old Parish Records – microfilm copies of the birth, marriages and death church records before 1855 for the whole of Fife.  Each centre has microfilm readers and printers. List of parishes (pdf)
• Monumental inscriptions and Cemetery records – our holdings are available in the document (pdf)
• Photographs – if your relative was part of a sports team, held office or was in the newspaper we may be able to find a photograph, each centre has its own way of finding photographs
• Newspapers – microfilm of local newspapers are available at several libraries (pdf) and hard copies are kept in certan cases.
• Fife Family History Society are based in Cupar Library and may be able to help you do more indepth research.
• If you are stumped and can’t find any official record of your relative, Fife Registrars may be able to help for a fee.

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