Geneaology: researching South African family history: Dr Eleanor Damon

This beginners course is aimed at those with an interest in genealogy who have little or no knowledge of research in this field. The course will cover the following:

1. Definition of genealogy
2. Genealogy in context
3. Documentation methods
4. Using of resources
5. Ethics and the Popi Act
6. Use of pictures
7. Use of abbreviations and notation
8. Primary, secondary and oral resources


Eleanor Damon is a writer, story coach and genealogy workshop facilitator. As a story coach she compiled three anthologies in education: Teaching a noble calling, Lifelong learning and 50 years later. She has a special interest in constructing family trees. She has brought the concept of genealogy closer to children through the books The Two Hannahs, House of Martha and My 8 families. She has written articles for magazines and published family registers. She completed her PhD at the Stellenbosch University focusing on the contribution of the Cyster family to the development of the mission station in Pniël. One of her challenges is to publish the family register of the Cloete family by focussing on the role of South African Cloete women. Eleanor has retired from active teaching but assists families with the construction of their family trees. She is an avid traveller and published her travel stories in her travel journal, STOFPAD, in 2023.