Have you ever wondered what “things” were like for your ancestors in the past? If so, how do we get a glimpse into what life was like and possibly how our ancestors endured the harsh reality; knowing they survived because you are here.
YouTube.
What I have found online via YouTube is astounding. Not being a professional about past events: I cannot say these videos made by historians are 100% accurate. I am very much aware of different events through the ages from the knowledge I have gathered via my own research.
Something one needs to be aware of is that a lot of the programs have been made for television, so expect things to be sensationalised. However, with that in mind, you will get to view what life was like in the period you may be interested in.
Watched.
I recently watched a four-part series: 24 Hours in the Past: Victorian Era. It takes a group of celebrities back in time where each set is from the Victorian Era.
The celebrities then endure what our ancestors may have experienced during that time. Remember, if your ancestors were in these situations: they lived it. The celebrities just experience a snippet. You do need to be aware that you may go on a roller coaster with your own emotions. You may fall down several rabbit holes in wanting to understand more.
Context.
From my own experience and to add context to my own ancestors, I have viewed many different sources made available via YouTube. I have made a list of some of the channels I have viewed. These are listed below:
- Absolute History
- Turn Back Time
- Inside the Workhouse
- Punished for Poverty
- Rural Victorians
- History Hit
- “14 People Lived Here”
- “Get Me Off This Ship”
- Fact Feast
- Retold
- NFSA Films
- Timeline
- Yester Vid
Search.
Another way you may find useful with what interests you is via a search…
Enter something like: “Victorian Farm” or “Prison Hulk”. Even try “You’ll Work Till You Drop” and see what is available… For best results, do some research into what it is you would like to know more about.
You are then able to either understand for yourself and/or add context to your ancestors’ stories.
Below is a screenshot of a search on “Victorian Farm”. It shows the top two…
Rabbit Holes.
These suggestions are mine and used only as an example. Like most things when it comes to family history research be aware of what it is you want to know more about. Be prepared for many rabbit holes that you will most likely encounter and disappear into once you begin. YouTube will provide you with “recommendations” – but I call them suggestions – you decide where you want to end up. Be aware, that many hours can disappear once you have started.
Explore & Discover.
Ancestor Family 
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