Family tree research is an exciting and rewarding look into your ancestry . Much of your genealogy research will come easy , and parts will be more difficult. Along this journey you will begin to wonder if anything is accurate as you grow your genealogy know how.
Census and legal documents may have illegible or incorrect names, wrong dates or errors in location . As a researcher, you will need to question the evidence to determine whether or not the proof is correct .
People study their family history for many different reasons. Some wish to join organizations , which require a proven lineage. Some do it for religious reasons. Others for medical reasons, trying to trace medical issues through members of their family . Perhaps the individual wishes to leave a legacy for their children. Most begin genealogy because they are fascinated with the study of their family as a whole . For whatever reason it becomes a fascinating project.
There is a difference between a genealogy and a family history . A genealogy is a collection of names, dates, and places . A family history includes the personal family stories that add interest to the genealogy .
The often heard question for those beginning genealogy is “How do I begin ?”
Start with yourself – work from the known to the unknown , gathering proof each step of the way. Be objective and be organized.
There are several tools to get you started on your path to genealogy know how. These include pedigree charts, family group sheets, and basic organizational techniques. You will learn search techniques and will become familiar with genealogy databases.
Sign up for a beginner’s genealogy research class to learn how to be productive with a genealogy project. Gaining knowledge from one or more experts will show you where to start and how to reduce your research time.
Learn what books and relevant maps to have in your library . Locate local libraries, genealogical and historical libraries .
Collect family records , legal documents, census records , oral history stories , pictures , jewlery, pins, medals, ribbons, birth announcements , memorial cards , obituaries, holiday reminders and artifacts , scrapbooks and momentos .
Become excited, awestruck and filled with wonder as you increase your genealogy knowledgeand build your family tree.
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