How to Start Researching Your Genealogy

1. Begin With Yourself

  • Start by recording your own full name, date, and place of birth.
  • Document your parents’ and grandparents’ full names, birth, marriage, and death details, working one generation at a time from the known to the unknown.
  • Use family tree charts or pedigree forms to organize this information.

2. Gather Family Documents and Stories

  • Collect birth, marriage, and death certificates, family bibles, photographs, letters, and other personal documents.
  • Interview relatives to capture oral histories, family stories, and details that may not be recorded elsewhere.
  • Ask about places of residence, occupations, military service, and any migration or immigration stories.

3. Organize and Record Your Findings

  • Keep detailed notes on where each piece of information comes from, even if it’s just from a relative’s memory.
  • Use genealogy software or online family tree builders (such as FamilySearch or Ancestry) to store and organize your research.

4. Research Official Records

  • Search for official records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, immigration records, and military records.
  • Libraries, archives, and online databases (like Trove, Findmypast, Ancestry, and FamilySearch) are valuable resources for historical documents and newspapers.

5. Work Systematically and Verify Information

  • Always work backwards, verifying each generation before moving further back in time.
  • Avoid making assumptions or jumping to conclusions without documentation.
  • Record both successful findings and negative searches to avoid repeating work.

6. Connect With the Community

  • Join genealogy societies, attend workshops, or participate in online forums for advice and support.
  • Local libraries and historical societies often provide access to subscription databases and additional resources.

7. Continue Learning

  • Consult guides, attend webinars, and read articles to improve your research skills and learn about new resources.

Key Tips for Beginners

  • Start with what you know and build outwards, verifying each step.
  • Talk to family members early; memories and stories can be lost over time.
  • Use a combination of online resources, official documents, and personal interviews for the most accurate results.
  • Stay organized and document your sources to make your research reliable and repeatable.

By following these steps, you can systematically and effectively begin your genealogy research, building a family history that is both meaningful and accurate.