How do you research your family tree? How do you start the process?

Answer 1

First get a good genealogical computer program. I have been using Family Tree Maker for years. After you have it installed begin with yourself and add all the information. Branch out to your siblings, your parents and grandparents. First add all the information you know and get by asking questions of relatives. Record everything! Once you have exhausted all your relatives you then should look into Ancestry.com, Genealogy.com, Roots.com. Join a surname web-site (Roots is good). If you can, acquire documents or copies such as birth, death and marriage certificates. There is wealth of information out there and you do have to dig. When you trace a particular limb of your tree, gather all information, even that of the 'other' family because you never know when someone is tracing that family and may have vital information for you. This has happened several times for me. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Start by learning that genealogy has an a in it, then ...

You start with yourself and work your way back to your parents, their parents, etc. Talk to your relatives if possible, collect birth dates, birth locations, death dates, death locations, burial locations, full names, nick names, marriages, etc.

A genealogy software package has advantages especially once you get information on large numbers of people, but you don't need one to get started. There are also paper forms you can fill out for a family, one person's pedigree, etc.

If you live near where you and your recent ancestors lived you can use the courthouse, perhaps genealogy information in the local library.

Search engines on your surname(s) can be helpful but moreso if you have an unusual name (for Smith, Brown or Miller not so much).

There are many good genealogy web sites, some free, some by subscription.

It's very important to keep track of not only what you think you know, but the source of that information, because you will find conflicting information (census says he was 15 in 1910 and 28 in 1920).

Take your time. There's no hurry because you will never be done. Collect the data but seek to understand the individuals and the times they lived in. Do not judge. You might be descended form a governor but you're also probably descended from a horse thief. Maybe you get your sense of humor from the horse thief. Try to understand your ancestors in light of the time and place that they lived.

Keep in mind that there is much about the past that can never be learned, but especially early on you will likely be amazed at how much is known and is waiting for you to find it.

Answer 3

if you want to do it on the computer, then you need a good software program. Family Tree Maker is what I use. Then to start off talk to your relatives, they are the best source of information. You can start off by putting in your information, your parents, grandparents, and then go from there.For research on the Internet, stay away from places like ancestry.com. They only want money. There are a lot of groups. You can do a lot of free searches. Cyndi's List has about everyplace you would ever want to look. If you get to where you need information from other states, there is RAOGK. That stands for random acts of genealogy kindness. These people ask for no money, but will help if they can. Find the local historical society for where ever or who ever you are looking for. The Church of Latter Day Saints is another good one. They have a section called Family Search. And good luck hunting. It is fun

Answer 4

I have Family Tree Software. It's a good thing. The reference dept. at a library is a great way to start too. My information also, came from any living relative I have. In addition, you can research on-line by using any Surname(last name). But it get complicated if you don't know names of counties. I got lucky and found some old birth certificates.
Old cemetery's are interesting and you can get some good leads.
Don't fall for the advertising for coat of arms. Some are legit. But, costly, and waste a great deal of time.

If you have an old Family Bible, you may find loads of information too.

Answer 5

First, talk to your parents, and grandparents, and other older relatives. If you want to use a free service, try RootsWeb.com. I started simple, I typed my grandmothers last name into search engine, Yahoo, and looked through the sites. So far I have contacted 10 people who have done genealogy work on her family and have shared their info with me. Most people who are into genealogy will willingly share their info with you. Also, Ancestry.com offers a free tial. I used it and got a lot of good info. They have access to the Social Security records, census data, Birth and Death records, etc. Also, try the LDS Family site (Latter Day Saints, also called Moermans). Or an LDS Family Library. Most large cities have an LDS Family Library, they are usually on the same property as an LDS church. They have more info than you could imagine. Oh, also, a great place to start is the RootsWeb.com message boards. Just find the message board for the last name you are reasearching and you can enter any questions you might have. For example: I am looking for info on my great grandmother Bertha Jones, she was born on (date) and died on (date) can anyone help me?" People will answer your question if they can. The messages stay on their for several years, so it may take some time, but you'll eventually get an answer.

Answer 6

first off DO NOT join any of these places like Ancestry.com who also owns all the others as well.go to the library and use the FREE library edition.Start with the info from all living relatives.I used the PAY places and from after checking the info I got fgrom them that they had listed members of my family but not correctly.Why because the people that enter their info sits at a table in some little country where they don't even know english and could care less about it.If I took the info from ANCESTry at it face valve then my great grand mother is listed as being her own mother and her mom's sister as well!You get a marriage li cense of your parents and then you'll have their parents and their birth place.Seriously take it to the library and ask.Libraries and their employees are very under rated.Trust me I spent the big bucks and got lies and no where .The library took me all the way back to the 1500's FOR FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!P.s you can also FREE of charge find the place and go the "ROOTSWEB".com way.

Answer 7

When researching your family tree the first thing is to talk to family. Sounds logical but many people forget. Moms,dads, grandparents,aunts and uncles will have memories to share. They may even know part of the tree and can give you clues where to look by giving birthplaces, and dates you can get nowhere else. They may also have records such as family bibles with birth/death records and even marriages recorded.

Answer 8

Even though you may not be a member of the LDS chruch it would be a really great idea to go to the family research library at your local stake. They have great resources better than anywhere else I've tired. When I went there I found more relatives than anywhere else I've tried. The people are so nice and so willing to help if you have any problems.

Answer 9

Warning: Do not attempt to search generations in the distant past. That is like putting the cart before the horse.

You first have to organize what you do know. Fitting in pieces of the puzzle comes later.

Begin by constructing a rudimentary tree(in pencil) you will be doing a great deal of erasing.

Place the oldest person that you know in your lineage at the top.
Add information like D.O.B., D.O.D. etc.

Your on your way.

Answer 10

Start at your library. Some have genealogy sections, books and other resources. There are plenty of genealogy clubs and Web sites, too. I also hear that the Mormon church does a lot of family tree research, and I don't think you have to be a member to use their resources.