How to Find My Family Background
Searching for your family background can be an interesting hobby. It can tell you what country your ancestors originated in, what wars they fought in and whether you descended from royalty or criminals. Researching genealogical history is a detail-oriented task that you can enjoy alone or get several members of the family involved in. It gives you an insight into what struggles and trials your ancestors endured and will give you a sense of pride to be a part of that heritage.
Instructions
-
-
1
Interview your elderly relatives. Even if their memory is failing, they probably have family histories documented in their bibles or copies of birth and death certificates and marriage licenses.
-
2
Document your information in a detailed journal or notebook. Don't use lingo that someone else may not be able to decipher if something were to happen to you.
-
-
3
Ask your relatives pertinent questions, such as dates and places of births. Include questions that tell about each person's life, such as when they learned to drive, what year they completed school and what towns they lived in.
-
4
Visit your public library and courthouses to search through obituaries, death indexes available through Social Security numbers and census records. This information is available online, but fees are typically required.
-
5
Browse historical obituaries for clues to other relatives that you may not be aware of.
-
6
Look for funeral notices and cards. According to the Genealogy Today website, these were started around the 1830s and have a fount of information in them. You may find these in attics and trunks of elderly relatives, because people tend to save them.
-
7
Keep a copy of your research in a safe or a safe-deposit box in your bank.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Collating your information and giving copies of it to family members on holidays or at a family reunion is a thoughtful and valuable gift.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit library books image by Daughterson from Fotolia.com
