Getting Started

To begin researching your family history, you’ll want to start with what you already know and then use various resources to fill in the gaps. This process can be incredibly rewarding as you uncover the stories of your ancestors.

Gather What You Already Know

Start by collecting everything you already know about your family. This is the foundation of your research.

• Interview Relatives: Talk to your parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Ask them about their memories, stories, and the names of their parents and grandparents. Find out about birth dates, marriage dates, and where they lived.
• Collect Documents: Look for any family papers you may have. This could include birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, old letters, family Bibles, or photo albums with names and dates written on them.
• Organize Your Information: Use a notebook, a spreadsheet, or a genealogy software program to keep track of the names, dates, and places you find. A simple family tree chart can help you visualize the connections.

Explore Online Resources

Once you have your initial information, you can use online tools to search for records and build out your family tree. Many of these sites offer free trials or have free databases you can use.

• Genealogy Websites: Sites like Ancestry, MyHeritage, and FamilySearch are great places to start. They have massive databases of historical records, including census records, birth and death certificates, and military records.
• Census Records: These records are a goldmine of information. They can tell you where your ancestors lived, who they lived with, their ages, occupations, and where they were born.
• Vital Records: Look for birth, marriage, and death records. These are often the most accurate sources of information and can confirm family relationships.

Consider DNA Testing

DNA testing can be a powerful tool to supplement your traditional research.

• Confirm Connections: A DNA test can help confirm your relationship to other family members and break through “brick walls” in your research.
• Discover New Relatives: You may find living relatives you never knew you had, which can lead to new leads and shared information.
• Explore Your Ethnic Background: DNA tests can give you an estimate of your ethnic origins, providing a broader context for your family’s story.

Visit Local Archives and Libraries

Don’t forget about physical resources. Many historical societies and libraries have unique collections that aren’t available online.

• Local History Collections: Check with your local library or historical society. They often have local newspapers, old yearbooks, and county records that can provide valuable clues about your ancestors’ lives.
• Genealogical Societies: Joining a local or regional genealogical society can connect you with experienced researchers who might offer guidance and access to exclusive resources.