How to Find Ancestors

The internet has helped to make genealogy a popular hobby. Family historians and amateur genealogist can use free genealogy resources available online to track down ancestors and distant cousins. The first step in assembling a family tree is tracking down vital information about parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. Don’t ignore information you find on cousins or aunts and uncles, because they can be clues to other members in your family tree. Here are seven steps to get you started in your search.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Send out questionnaires to your family members, such as cousins, aunts, uncles, parents or any living relatives. There is a free, printable form you can use for this purpose. Go to Ancestor Safari’s Site Map (Link included in resources) and click on the link for Survey_Form.pdf, included in the site map directory. You can print out this form and send it off to your family members. Don’t forget to include a self-addressed stamp envelope, to encourage them to complete the information.

2. Join the free trial membership of Ancestry.com. You can get two weeks free, but you will need to use a credit card. If you don’t intend to keep the membership, don’t forget to cancel within the specified time period stated on the site, or your credit card will be charged. There is a wealth of information on Ancestry.com, and members can start their own online family tree.

3. Visit the website sponsored by the Church of the Latter Day Saints, at familysearch.org. You can search for ancestors on the site. Don’t assume your family has to be Mormon to utilize this site.

4. Look through old letters and Christmas cards for clues. I found an entire branch of our family by reading old Christmas letters my mother had kept over the years. This included an address and phone number, that was still valid after more than thirty years.

5. Go to the Ellis Island website and use their online search tools to find ancestors who traveled through Ellis Island. Their web address is ellisisland.org. The site is free, but you will need to register as a member.

6. Search for ancestors who were in the Civil War by visiting civilwar.nps.gov. This is a service of the National Parks.

7. Look for cemeteries and headstones online, by searching at Find a Grave. Their web address is findagrave.com.

Resources

• Ancestor Safari

[dsarokin]

on 12/27/2008 Fantastic resources. I knew of many of them, but some, like Ancestor Safari, are new to me. Thanks for sharing.