How to Research Your Family Heritage, for free

Family Ancestry Photo

Ever wonder where your family originated from or who your ancestors were? Learning our family history can be just as surprising as it is exciting. Here are a few tips on how to research your family history.

Instructions

1. Start by interviewing your relatives. Family members can be the best source of information. You might be surprised by the family records kept by older members of your family. Make sure to note any name changes if any were made. Most families changed their name at least partially at some point in time.

2. Check the archives at your local library. Search through old newspaper clippings, wedding announcements, and death certificates. Newer libraries have digitized these documents allowing you to simply search through them on a computer. Records can show links to family ancestors that lived decades before you.

3. Search the internet. There are many web sites that specialize in researching your family heritage and ancestry. A few of them help you find ancestors and family tree information for free. Ancientfaces is a great website that includes family photos of ancestors dating back to the 17th century. Simply type your surname into the search field and click go.