Tips for Getting Started with Your Family History Research

Author: Jasmine Angeli

Whether you are just starting your family history research or have been at it for a while, these tips will help you get the most out of your efforts. With the help of tools like True People Search and newspaper archives, you can learn more than ever about your family through the years.

Start with what you know.

This may seem like an obvious place to start, but it is important. Begin by collecting information from your immediate family. Gather old photos, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any other information you can find. This will give you a good foundation to work from.

Use online resources.

There are many online resources available to help you with your family history research. A good place to start is with the websites of the national archives in the country of your ancestors’ origin. These archives have digitized many of their records and made them available online. There are also many commercial websites that offer genealogy databases and searchable indexes.

Use family history software.

There are many family history software programs available that can help you organize your research. These programs can be helpful in creating family trees and tracking down information about your ancestors. No matter which family history software program you choose, it is sure to help you organize your research and make your family tree more complete.

Use people's search engines.

A good way to find information about your ancestors is to use people's search engines. These engines allow you to search for information about people by name, address, and other criteria. When using a people search engine, enter as much information as possible about the person you are looking for. This will help to ensure that you get the most accurate results.

Use social media.

Social media can be a valuable tool for family history research. By using social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, you can connect with other people who are interested in family history, and learn from them. You can also use social media to find information about your ancestors and to contact people who may be able to help you with your research.

Use local libraries and archives.

Local libraries and archives can be valuable resources for family history research. They often have collections of old newspapers, marriage and death records, and other genealogical information. Some of the best genealogical resources available at local libraries and archives include local newspapers from the past, marriage and death records, birth and baptism records, church records, gravestone inscriptions, census records, land records, and probate records. Each of these resources can provide valuable information about your ancestors.

Ask for help.

If you are having trouble finding information about your ancestors, there are many sources of help available to you. You can ask family members, friends, or other researchers for help. There are also many online forums and mailing lists where you can ask for help. One of the best ways to get help is to join a genealogy society. Genealogy societies are groups of people who are interested in genealogy. They can help you find information about your ancestors and connect with other researchers.

Keep a research log.

A research log can be helpful in organizing your research and keeping track of what you have found. It can also be useful in identifying gaps in your research. Family history research can be a lot of fun. It can be exciting to find out about your ancestors and learn about their lives. It can also be interesting to see how your family has changed over the years. By researching your family history, you can learn more about your heritage and where you come from.