How to Get Started
First of all, Don't Wait!
Genealogy doesn't get any easier as time goes by. Some
of your best resources for family information are your own
living family. And they aren't getting any younger.
Here are some steps to get you started on your family
history journey.
Take careful notes of your
interviews with family members. Even small details and
suspected names dates and places give you a place to start
your research. For example, a story about an event
which takes place during a notable weather event such as a
blizzard or hurricane can help pinpoint another event, such
as a birth, marriage or death. Remember to ask for
maiden names, names of siblings and places of residence.
Journals, diaries, address
books, photographs, newspaper clippings all can be a wealth
of information, or at least clues to pursue.
As you begin to collect data
from your home and family you may quickly find it difficult
to keep all those names and dates in order. This is
where a pedigree chart or family group sheet can really
help. You can download blank pedigree and family group
forms here. Fill out as much information as you can
based on your family information and lore. Don't worry
too much about accuracy at this point. You'll be
verifying data later on.
If you prefer, you can use a computer database to keep your
genealogy data in order. PAF (Personal Ancestral File)
is available free of charge for download here. Again,
complete as much as you can and remember to note the source
of your information in the Notes section.
Once you've collected some family data, the next step is to
verify. This is where the research phase of your work
begins.
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