The History Channel launched The Family History Project on 1 September 2003, on the conviction that every family has a great great story to tell. Family historians nationwide - whether new or seasoned researchers - were invited to share the tales of their ancestors. The response has been incredible. The thousands of entries revealed a wealth of human experience, from grand achievement to everyday life, love and loss. Here we present the favourites, illustrated with photographs from home archives. Well-known family historian Nick Barrett provides research tips for those inspired to research their own family tree. In this book you will meet heroes, lovers, travellers and survivors, as well as family skeletons and some famous figures. The compelling stories range from discovered celebrity relations to war-torn romances and lives saved in shark-infested waters. These tales will move you, thrill you, and even inspire you to explore the great stories within your own family.