We are immensely proud of our Comma Separated Values (CSV) Importer, a major feature of v1.1 released last week and we hope all you researchers will find it a huge asset.

Traditionally, records were transcribed and recorded in a spreadsheet format where details were captured such as name, address, occupation and birthdate.

An example CSV file of historical data

Now, located within Tools on the navigation bar, the importer enables the rapid import of spreadsheets saved, in CSV format, to ensure a speedy population of a database from census, parish registers, electoral rolls or a simple list of names recorded from a book index. Of course, you may just wish to manually enter data into your project and that’s fine too.

The Dashboard for an empty project

The same project after a CSV import.

To assist you in structuring your data to be compatible with our importer, we have produced some CSV templates which can be found in Help > Help And Support > Resources on the Navigation Bar. Full instructions are provided to retain compatibility and recognise Name & Place headings and guide you effortlessly through the import process. We recommend using the original source details within a hierarchy to best analyse your research and again, full directions are available. We are currently filming a YouTube video for those who prefer visual assistance as we all have different learning styles.

CSV imports are associated with a source record, preserving the integrity of your research.

Once your CSV import is complete, check the Dashboard / Project Overview where you can assess and reflect on the quantity and quality of your import and how your data has been structured into connected Names, Places, Occupations and Sources.

This is the first importer, more are in the pipeline, designed with you in mind. Please enjoy.

Promoting and sharing your research online is a marvellous way of interacting with others who have a common interest in your area of study. It creates an opportunity to collaborate and share ideas about community and family history. Any interaction has value as each person recounts snippets of precious information and before you know it another mystery has been solved. Family historians continue to emphasise how little things can often become the big things and unlocks the door in your brick wall. Similarly, new contacts can contribute to the history of a property.

Many researchers have discovered me through my website and social media presence and subsequently donated images, deeds, ration books, flags, brick stamps and old postcards. This dialogue stimulates valuable reminiscences and personal testimony which could never be found  in an archive. Without an online presence I would have missed these valuable exchanges.

Banner and Introduction

Each Name & Place project is assigned a promotional website and domain name, together with an optional upgrade to use a dedicated address. It allows up to three text blocks, a gallery of project images and a contact form should you wish to announce yourself to any future interested researchers. It has been designed to act as a taster to reach people who are searching your project online without initially sharing too much information. Choosing to share a potted history of my one-place study of Rillington together with the types of records held along with old postcards and present day images works best for me. This approach also fits well with a one-name study and house history project. You’ll find the structure of how to do it under ‘Publish’ in the tool bar.

Text and Gallery

Contact Form

Check this website out for some ideas and inspiration to tackle your own project. https://rillington-ops.npwebsite.com The best news is that this wonderful shop window for your study is easy peasy to set up and fun to use.

Name & Place is the subject of the Tech Tips feature in July’s edition of Who Do You Think You Are? magazine. The double-page spread breaks down the key aspects of Name & Place into ten tips, offering a useful introduction to the software.

The magazine is available now, both in print and online at http://www.whodoyouthinkyouaremagazine.com/issue/july-2020