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archives, and online databases (like Trove, Findmypast, Ancestry, and FamilySearch) are valuable resources for historical documents and newspapers.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.