Here are some steps and pointers how to start your own family history.
Step 1 – How much do you know your family? How strong is your family bond, how many relatives do you know by heart? Write down all exact info you can possibly think of and confirm them. You may not want to make a faulty family tree. Some pointers to make your family research faster and with good results.
- Use big letters when writing family names. This lets the eye scan genealogical records easier.
- List the dates in this fashion: (03 Mar 1985) instead of 3/22/1866. This keeps the numbers from getting jumbled.
- Write the places in this order: City/Town,County,State,Country (e.g.Jacksonville, St. Johns, Florida, USA)
Your name may appear several times when you are in the processing of making your Pedigree Chart. If you are now a parent, you will add your name on the family group records twice. Once during your maiden years and another during your marriage life. If you have more than one marriage, fill out another sheet and add them to the records. These two forms are the two most important part of the research. Also complete the Family Group Records. When doing family history, family Research, family Tree, family genealogy or family generations research, these two charts are the most vital tools in completing your generation research.
Step 2 – State the things you want to know about your family history: Pedigree charts asks primarily about dates and places. You have to make extensive research about important dates and places about your ancestors. Death dates/places, birth dates/places and marriage dates/places are among the most important information in family research.
Step 3 – Choose the records to search: There are two main types of genealogical records. The compiled records and the original records.
1. Compiled records – these are records that have already been researched by others, such as biographies, family histories, or genealogies that may be on microfilm, microfiche, in books or on family history research websites.
2. Original Records – are records that were created at or near the time of an event, such as birth, marriage, death, or census records.
Look for compiled records first then verifying the information in it using the original records. This can save you loads of effort since you don’t have to start from scratch. But this does not assure accurate data, the good thing is you may have enough information to complete your generation research.
Step 4 – Double Check the information you have: Many local libraries have very good genealogical materials. Especially for the surrounding areas of that library’s location. Again, centers that have family history references are an excellent place to obtain records.
Whatever the source, search family tree records. Look at broad time periods, check for spelling variations, and write down your results even if you come up empty-handed.
Step 5. Use the information: Evaluate what you’ve found. Did you find the information that you were looking for? Is that information complete? Does it conflict with other information?
- copy the information you gathered from family research references and organize them to pedigree charts and family genealogy group sheets. These two forms are the staples of family history.
- organize the information and use a filing system that suits you.
- share the information with interested family members.
What Next?
Select a new objective and start the process over again based on what you now know about your family. Before you know it, you’re family history will unfold and you will be encouraged and excited!
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