Hannah Cunliffe - Historical Researcher

I offer lectures on the methods and practice of historical research.  These are unusual and gripping talks, well supported with slides and amusing anecdotes.  They provide an opportunity for people to become familiar with original documents and ways of sourcing them, as well as to learn something of my profession and the varied projects I have worked on.

I have talked for both family history societies and yacht clubs and can give a lecture which is tailored to meet the interests of either group.

Family history lecture:

This discusses the trials and tribulations of an independent historical researcher.  Genealogical research possibilities are considered, with an emphasis on my speciality of maritime history.   Sources for research into maritime ancestors are discussed, with a look at some specific stories of the more fascinating commissions I have carried out; ranging from assisting in research for the new National Maritime Museum Cornwall, to discovering the log books of explorer William Dampier wrecked in 1701 on Ascension Island.

Yacht club lecture:

As the well-known yachting author Tom Cunliffe's daughter, I have been brought up on traditional boats and have a wide knowledge of the sea.  This encouraged me to set up a research business which specialised in maritime projects.  Research into the past has become a topic of increasingly widespread fascination over recent years.  Family history is addictive for many, but for club members it is also of interest to discuss methods of researching individual vessels.  Tales of shipwreck, restoration, war and nautical ancestry.

For further details on either lecture please email me at: cunlifferesearch@aol.com