How to Become a Family Genealogist
Most young people have little interest in genealogy. It is not until they mature that they become interested in matters involving the history of their families. Once they do, they may become fascinated by the interesting people that preceded them, and they typically yearn for more. It's easy to get a superficial view of one's ancestors, but if one chooses to look deeper into their family history, they probably need guidance. Here's how to begin becoming your family's genealogist.
Instructions
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Put what you already know on paper. A terrific place to start is by amassing what you and your immediate family know about your family history. Take that information and begin developing a family tree, using what you have found. Soon, gaps in that information will become apparent, and that will form the best place for you to start.
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Talk with your older relatives. Tell them your goal, and tap them for whatever information they have. In addition, they probably can recall events involving your relatives that will begin to give your genealogy life. But the recollections of one relative may differ from those of another, so add both but try to identify those differences. In addition, probe for ways that life was different for those who preceded the current generation.
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Add photographs to your genealogical history because they not only put the faces with the names of your relatives, they will help create an historical background. Check each photograph closely because you never know what additional information about your family that you'll uncover.
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The hard part of your search begins by digging for more information. If you know where particular relatives lived, its county court house might have a trove of information. However, be skeptical, because in the old days county clerks took information down by hand, so it depended a lot on what he heard which could lead to inaccuracy. If you want to be certain of a specific piece of information, find it in at least two sources before entering it into your family history. In addition, local historical societies can have some very useful information.
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Look online for more information. For example, let's say you know only the names of your great-grandparents. Go to one of the genealogical websites, enter the names of your relatives, and you may be surprised by the information you'll get from their massive databases. Or visit the US Census Bureau for other useful, but sometimes inaccurate, information.
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Stay organized, and you will stay interested. If you have followed all of the foregoing steps, you will have amassed a tremendous amount of information. Make sure you have been orderly in categorizing it, because it will make it easier for you to find specific information and it will encourage you to continue your never-ending search for information.
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Tips & Warnings
Family bibles, though they are often incomplete, can provide you with helpful insights into your family's history.
