History Research for Beginners
Welcome to the Genealogy Research Series: Research for Beginners!
Have you ever wondered about your family history? Where did we come from? What is OUR story?
TV shows like the PBS series, “Finding Your Roots” tug at the hearts of us that are curious and want to build family trees.
These questions may be answered with some family history research, but what if you are new to genealogy?
But how do we begin that family history research?
I am so glad you asked! Family history research is much easier than it used to be. Tracing our family’s history can be fun. In fact, genealogy is the 2nd most popular hobby in America. The internet makes billions of records available at our fingertips, and with a little groundwork, you can quickly be on your way to building a family tree!
Genealogy Research Series
Follow along with me in this Genealogy Research Series and learn how to begin your family history journey.
In this post, I will take you on an overview of 11 steps of researching your family tree. Then in future posts, I’ll break down these steps with detailed information on how to implement them. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Gather What You Know
Historical governmental records can help you trace your family history, but first, we need to start with what we know.
Start with yourself and work backward. Write down all you know about your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Fill out a Pedigree sheet, and enter as much information as you have, such as birth, marriage and death dates and places. You can download a free Pedigree Chart here
Once you write down all you know on this sheet you will be able to see what information you DON’T know.
2. Look for Family Documents and Papers
Find out what documents and papers are in the possession of your family. Dig around in your attics and dusty basements.
Do you remember your grandmother’s box of family papers or photos? Who has it now? These old boxes often have important photos, letters, and documents.
Ask relatives if there is a family bible and who has it. Don’t disregard old newspapers, they could contain birth or marriage announcements, as well as obituaries.
3. Talk to Your Older Relatives
Have conversations with your grandparents and great-grandparents. Do you have great aunts and uncles? Elderly cousins? They can be a treasure trove of information.
Ask them about their parents and siblings. Ask about where the family is from, and their occupations. Talking to older relatives can be the best source for information for your family history research.
4. Find Out What Records are Online
Billions of records are available online. Some of the records are free and some are accessed only through paid subscriptions.
Here are some popular online genealogy sites that require memberships:
Here are some popular free online genealogy sites:
5. Look for Vital Records
Vital records are records of important life events that are kept under the authority of the government. These records include but are not limited to, birth, marriage, and death records.
6. Check the Census Records
Census records are valuable for family history research because of the wealth of information contained in them. These records include family units, ages, dates of birth, places of birth and other important facts about families.
7. Look for Military Records
Military records include draft registrations, actual draft cards, service, and pension records. These records can include personal descriptions of our relatives, where they were enlisted, next of kin and other details.
8. Visit Places Ancestors Lived
Visiting places that our ancestors lived can add a personal perspective to our research. Walking where they walked, visiting their churches, and old homesteads lend a new feeling of connection to our families.
9. Consider DNA Testing
DNA testing connects us with other family members that were previously unknown. These new “DNA” cousins may know facts about your family history that you don’t know. They may have great-great-grandmother’s family bible, complete with the birth dates of her parents and siblings!
10. Organized, Organize, Organize
Organizing your new information obtained from your family history research is of utmost importance. Write everything down. Be sure to cite your sources.
Trust me, in 15 years, you or someone else will say, “where did that information come from?” Leave no doubt, document your facts. Document your stories.
11. Share Your Discoveries with Other Family
Sharing your discoveries with the rest of your family is exciting. Make lots of copies so your hard work will never disappear. Give copies to you immediate family and to distant cousins.
Have Fun!
You will find some branches of your family tree are easier to trace than others. Some family lines just appear or disappear.
Don’t get discouraged when one line hits a brick wall. Just switch gears! Pick up a different line and work on that side.
Humans have been around for thousands of years. There will always be another line to work on, and you will never run out of ancestors to look for.
The main thing is to have fun and enjoy your search!
Stay tuned for more posts in the Genealogy Research Series!
You can go to this page for a list of other posts and videos in this series that are guaranteed to guide you in your search for ancestors!
Until next time!
Happy Hunting
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