Genealogy is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States. The Internet and access to computers have made family research faster and easier then ever before. With the right tools and a little training, it is something anyone can do. Why not start now?
The first step in any genealogy project is to make a home record survey. Look in file boxes, photo albums, old letters, cards, and baby books, anything that might have family information. Write down dates, places, names, and relationships that you find. Be sure to write down where you got the information and then set it up in a file so you can refer to it again.
What if you don�t have any family records? With families no longer living for generations in the same house, family records are sometimes hard to find. Don�t worry, it can still be done. Sit down and list any grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and other close relatives that you know. Add any dates that you have and begin from there.
The easiest and most accepted way to keep track of your family information is family group sheets and pedigree charts. Almost all genealogy books have forms that can be copied for your own use. Forms are also available at most public libraries and history centers. Fill in as much information as you can and use a pencil until you have verification of the facts. If you have information but no place to enter it, be sure to add it on the back of the sheet.
All family history projects are based on seven events. They are birth date, birthplace, marriage date, marriage place, death date, death place, and proof of relationship. Always move from the known to the unknown and thoroughly check one branch before moving up to the next. It is best to move backwards in time, gathering death information before looking for the marriage facts. Try to find out as much as you can about the whole family. Even though you are tracing your direct line, some siblings will have more records then others. It may save you from having to go back and get it later.
The next step is to interview all relatives to get any information they remember or any documents or photographs they might share. Plan ahead and write down the questions you will ask and limit the first visit to no more than an hour. If they will allow it, tape the interview so that you can go back and review it. Allow the family member time to think and relate stories of their past. The stories will help bring life to the ancestors as you research and possibly give you clues where to look next. Verify the stories whenever possible because memories can fade and never discount any information.
There are many good genealogy books in the market today . Two of my favorites for beginners are Unpuzzling Your Past by Emily Croom and First Steps in Genealogy by Desmond Walls Allen.
Next month, I will give you suggestions on organizing the growing collection of statistics, pictures, maps, documents, and other artifacts that you will find as you grow your family tree one branch at a time.
[Home]
[Memberships]
[Background]
