Roots & Interest in Genealogy

Genealogy is an activity shared by many hobbiests and professionals.

Genealogy is the study of the descendants of a particular ancestor or multiple ancestors (also referred to as a family tree). People become interested in learning about their genealogy for a number of reasons, including gaining a better understanding of who they are and where they came from, or for the purpose of discovering their genetic background for health reasons. Some experienced genealogists also perform research for others on a professional level.

Getting Started

Beginning genealogists should begin their research with what is already known about their family. Create a list with the help of other living relatives, making sure to note all available information: names, birth, death and marriage dates and locations, parents, children, siblings, etc. This information can be used to create a pedigree chart (a type of genealogy chart used by many genealogists to record information), which can help new genealogists locate any missing information.

Online Research

Thanks to the amount of information being increasingly available through online databases, genealogy research can often be started using the Internet. Free sites, such as Rootsweb and FamilySearch may provide missing information in the pedigree chart or information about ancestors not otherwise known. If information cannot be found on free genealogy websites, genealogists may have better luck on subscription sites, such as Ancestry.com.

Offline Research

At some point in their research, genealogists will have to visit offline sources, such as town or city clerk offices, libraries and courthouses, to perform genealogy research. Records that are especially important to obtain include birth, death and marriage certificates, burial records, obituaries and land records. Each town or city houses these records in different buildings, but for the most part, you can expect to find vital records and land records at the town or city clerk's office, and obituaries in newspapers located in libraries.

Genealogy Software

Genealogists can obtain a lot of information about their ancestors and relatives, and so it is important to establish an organization strategy. Different genealogists have different preferences for organizing information. Some may prefer to store documents in three-ring binders, keep a running notebook of notes, use various genealogy charts or use a genealogy software program. There are many choices for software programs. Some are free, such as the family tree program offered through Rootsweb, while others, such as Family Tree Maker, are not.

Using Other People's Research

Many genealogists will discover compiled genealogies of relatives who share a common ancestor. These findings can help by providing unknown information, clarifying discrepancies and leading to new generations. It also provides the opportunity to contact and meet distant relatives for advice, tips and friendship. However, while genealogies compiled by others are helpful, they also often contain inaccurate information. Therefore, it is important that genealogists confirm any information on their own.

References

• "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy"; Christine Rose and Kay Germaine Ingalls; 2005

Resources

• Rootsweb
• Ancestry.com
• FamilySearch
• Family Tree Maker