Things You'll Need:
- Computer with internet access
- Time
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Step 1
Have somewhere to write down all the information you collect. Jot down all the places you have searched and what you have found. This will make it easier to put two and two together.
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Step 2
Talk to the elders in your family. Ask the names of their grandparents, great-grandparents, as far back as they can remember. If this isn't possible try searching the obituary archives of your local paper. Most papers have these available for free online
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Step 3
If you can trace your ancestors back as far as the early twentieth century you can find great information at FAMILYSEARCH.org (I have included a link in the resources section). All you are required to do is type in the name and hit search. This online information is free and mostly from the 1930's census. Due to confidentiality, the census bureau does not release census information to the public until after 72 years. Please keep in mind most census takers for that time period were not accomplished spellers so you might want to look for various spellings of names. For instance my Mammies name was Myrtle and in the census report it was spelled Murtal.
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Step 4
The next place you will want to visit is RootsWeb - World Connect Project. (I have included a link in the resources section) When starting your search here it will be important to at least have the first and last name, and the day of birth or death. Prepare to be amazed! I was actually able to trace my family back as far as 1680 by clicking on the pedigree links provided!
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Step 5
Have fun! Who knows you may be of noble birth!
Comments
veryirie said
on 1/5/2009 Great tips to help you find your ancestors online; thanks for this!
Biscuit4u said
on 1/4/2009 Cool, there's some very useful information here. Thanks for the great advice.
LouisJeffries said
on 12/31/2008 Very Good information. I am going to do this now. 5*
AlishaV said
on 12/31/2008 I love tracing my family's history. Great info for those trying to figure out where they come from!
sneedc said
on 12/30/2008 You give awesome tips to finding long, lost relatives---unfortunately, I like to keep my distance from family !!! Hahahah (kidding, family members who stumble upon this article) Thanks for a well-written article.