As a country of immigrants, Americans are naturally curious about genealogy and ancestry. There is, for so many of us, a great need to know where we came from and why our ancestors moved here. These days, this knowledge is easier than ever to find. The internet has made genealogical research simpler and records more accessible. If you’ve ever said to yourself, “I really should put together a family tree,” there’s no time like the present. Here are a couple of quick tips to get you started:
1. Ask your family members for information. Ask them now, before they’re gone. You should ask for the full names of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. Get dates, place names, and any personal stories that are volunteered.
2. Write everything down. Don’t write it on scraps of paper than can be lost, type it into your computer and back it up. You should consider purchasing a good genealogy program, like Family Tree Maker, to make this easier.
3. Using the names and dates that your family members have given you, do a search for more information at Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org and Genforum.com, to start. You will be able to access census and immigration records that will lead you further back into your family tree. Once you learn to navigate these sites, they’ll provide a wealth of helpful information.
4. Find proof. Never accept unsubstantiated claims about your heritage that you read on the internet. Lots of people just want to connect themselves to royalty or produce a family crest and they put a lot of false and faulty information online. Stick to historical records as much as possible so you don’t get led down the wrong path.
Once you delve into your genealogy, you’ll be amazed at the stories you find. It’s not just the connections to historical figures that will inspire you; it’s the personal tales of the regular Joes in your family tree that really turn out to be memorable.
Some family lines are easier to trace than others. I’ve traced one branch of my family back to thirteenth century Scotland. Another dead-ends in Australia in the late 1800s. But even with families I can’t trace very far, I’ve learned so much. I’ve uncovered cousins I never knew existed, discovered that one of my great-grandfathers was adopted, and uncovered a treasure trove of photos from my great-grandmother’s immigrant voyage to America. I was also contacted out of the blue by someone who had a Civil War photo of another relative, plus heart-wrenching letters sent from the battlefield. These discoveries have all enriched my life and given me a greater sense of my place in the world. I certainly have a deeper appreciation for my life, knowing all that my ancestors went through years before I existed. I look forward to passing along their stories and experiences to my children.
There is a genealogy thread here on Constant Chatter if you’re interesting in discussing this topic further.
Rosebud
Thank you for this article! I’ve actually been wondering how to approach this daunting subject of family tree-ing and this provided a clear, smart strategy on how to tackle it. Very thoughtful and well-written and much appreciated! Now…off to find family!