What Is Genealogy?
According to Webster's Dictionary, "Genealogy" is "an account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or from older forms". In other words, it is the tracing of one's family roots and heritage.
The best way to get started with your family tree is to compile as many names as you can from what you know about your family and asking relatives to help fill in the blanks. If you have at least back to your great-grandparents, you are doing good. I started with just my parents, grandparents and only two of my eight great-grandparents, and have since filled in many of the blank spots I never would have thought I would find. Going through old family photographs, diaries, scrapbooks, bibles, etc. can be a tremendous help in your quest.
Two very good software programs that can help you store your family tree information are Family Tree Maker, and Personal Ancestral File or "PAF", which is produced by the LDS (Mormon) Church. PAF can be used to organize all of your family information and is quite simple to use. Family Tree Maker, in addition to keeping your family files organized, lets you create picture scrapbooks, notes, stories about prominent members of your family tree, and the ability to access multiple CDs which contain family trees, census records, deaths, births, social security, marriage and many other ways to find your lost ancestors.
You will also want to make use of your nearest Genealogy Library. Most communities have at least one LDS Genealogy Library (LDS is "Latter Day Saints")where you can begin your research. Make use of all the services they offer. These services are provided free to the community and can be used by anyone, regardless of your religious affiliation. Most libraries have computers, books, microfiche and microfilm for your research. Some may not have computers, but that is ok as you can find most of that information also available on microfiche. It may take a little longer researching on microfiche, but the information is available. Also if you're wanting to be really adventurous, a trip to the main genealogy library in Salt Lake City, Utah can be a goldmine of information, especially to the beginning genealogist as they have books, microfilm/fiche, and computers for your research. Most of the libraries, including the one in Salt Lake, are staffed by volunteers, and they are most helpful in getting you started. Or, if you are fortunate enough (like I was) to know or meet someone who knows a lot about genealogy, you can really make a lot of progress in a short amount of time.
WHAT SHOULD I BE LOOKING FOR?
You want to compile as much information about each ancestor as you can, such as:
Complete Birth Date (Month, Day, Year)
Place of Birth (Country, State, County, City)
Marriage Date (Month, Day, Year)
Place of Marriage (Country, State, County, City)
Complete Death Date (Month, Day, Year)
Place of Death (Country, State, County, City, and Cemetery if available)
Try to find as much information as possible on brothers and sisters of your direct ancestors. Sometimes you may hit a stumbling block on one child, but another one may have been thoroughly researched by another person, and you will find connections that may have otherwise been overlooked. Talk to family members, especially if you've got grandparents or an older aunt or uncle to share family history and stories with you. You'd be amazed to find out what some of your relatives know!!
Remember, Genealogy is not an exact science, so you will never complete your family tree. It is an ongoing process and you will no doubt hit some roadblocks along the way. If you get stuck on one line, concentrate on others for a while. You'll have a fresher perspective the next time you come back to that particular branch of your tree! You will also discover that some lines on your tree may change all together during your research. Look at genealogy as a hobby and just enjoy the research and the information you acquire, and you will find it to be a very educational, enjoyable and rewarding experience!
