GET TO THE ROOTS
Beginning Family History Research
Gathering Family Information
Lesson 1
Introduction:
1. What comes to mind when you think about Family History Research?
2. Where do you think you should start?
3. Some people think genealogical research is conducted almost exclusively in archives, libraries and courthouses.
4. Richest resources: Your own home--or those of our relatives.
I.How Do I Start My Family History?
1. Fill out as much as possible
3. Estimate dates & places
1. Fill out one Family Group Sheet for each couple on your pedigree
(To use these files, you will need to download and configure Adobe Acrobat Reader, if you don't already have it installed. You can get Acrobat Reader for free at Adobe's website:
C.Decide What Missing Information You Want to Learn about Your Family
1. Circle missing or incomplete information on your Pedigree Work Sheet
2. Decide what information you want to find.
3. Start with your parents or grandparents and work your way back
D.Find Out What Research Has Already Been Done
a. Gather from your own house birth, marriage &/or death certificates, etc.
b. Talk to relatives or family friends
2) Use tape recorder, video camera, or take notes by hand3) Obtain Copies of such things as
a) Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates
b) Announcements or Obituaries
c) Journals, letters, etc.
d) Charts, photos, registers
a) Scrapbooks & Photo Albums
2. DO NOT LIMIT YOUR SEARCH TO YOUR OWN DIRECT LINE
Gathering Information about siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. can
enhance your research for your own ancestor
II. Record Sources!!!
1. Keep track of people that you contact
2. Keep track of the information they give you.
3. Keep track of other sources that you search
1. To keep track of what you have searched and what you need to know.
2. Use a separate sheet for each ancestor.
Bonus:
