It's important to know your roots.Some of the stories your parents may have passed along to you came from your grandparents.It's possible that you didn't know anything about your family history.Read on to learn how you can better understand where you came from.
Step 1: Ask questions.
It's important to find out as much as you can about your family history.Ask your family members what they know from the old photo albums.As far back as they can remember, ask for the names of grandparents, great-grandparents, and other relatives.Determine the names, locations, and timelines of the ancestors you want to know.It's important to get the exact spelling.You can learn about any spelling changes that have taken place.Your ancestors may have changed their names when they moved to a new place.Family members are the easiest way to go back in time.Do not think that your parents, grandparents, and other relatives have already told you everything.Older relatives are more likely to remember.
Step 2: Prior research should be used to build on.
Find out if your family has done genealogy research before.Look for documents that tell about your family.Look for pictures that give you a sense of what life was like when the photo was taken.You can find family trees, records, and research projects that will give you a starting point.
Step 3: You can make a family tree.
Start by mapping out everything you know about your family history.Go back in time through your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.Add birthdays, death dates, marriages, locations and any other relevant information.
Step 4: First, make a simple "direct route" list.
By the time you list your great-grandparents, you already have 15 people on your tree.As much as you can, find out about those 15 people.It's possible to run a simple web search.Find out when and where the ancestors were born.How many children did these people have?Find out when and where these people died.
Step 5: The census records can be searched.
You can use the US Census online.If you want to go back in time, you should start with the most recent ancestors.If you put the name and birthday in the online census, it will bring up the correct person along with other possibilities.As you build the family tree, remember the details that suggest other areas to look in.Someone's job.edit the search if your family member doesn't show up on the censusTo clarify the results, add or remove words.Search for their maiden name and married name.Marriage dates may be confirmed or suggested by the census records.The spelling of names may have changed.Some ancestors may not have been able to read or write well.Whether or not a person is literate is determined by old censuses.
Step 6: Take a look at your search results.
Try to find all records after checking the census history.It is possible to narrow the records down to marriage and divorce.Search for census categories that might include your ancestors.Try using tax and voter lists.
Step 7: Use naturalization papers.
If your ancestors came from another country, you may need to look for their immigration and naturalization papers.Naturalization papers have two parts, the papers and the final application.You can't be sure if they were naturalized unless you have the second paper.They could have waited several years between the two, and the final paper could be in a different courthouse.You can use the census to find out where your ancestors lived.The passenger lists of ships can be consulted.If you find your ancestors' names, you might be able to figure out when they arrived.
Step 8: Track the physical records.
If you know where your ancestors were married, go to that location.They should ask for access to their records.The parents of the bride and groom are listed on the marriage certificate.This could be a good clue to get you on track.If the location was used for other ancestors, look for their records as well.
Step 9: Find your ancestors' gravestones.
You should visit the cemetery in person if you know where your relatives are buried.There are clues: birth and death dates, names that don't match your records, and relatives buried nearby.If your ancestors lived and died in a lot of different places, don't be afraid to go to a distant cemetery.You could make a journey to trace your ancestry.
Step 10: If you want to suggest birthdays, use the baptism records.
Look through the records of the church thatbaptized your ancestors.If you don't know when a family member was born, the baptism can help you figure it out.The majority of baptisms are done after birth.Marriage and death records can be found in the church archives.Sometimes church records are incomplete.Call before you travel if the church is far from you.
Step 11: You can explore online ancestry- research services.
Most of the time, you'll pay someone to research your family tree.You need to give as much relevant information as possible.If you don't have time, energy, or inclination to do the legwork yourself, this is a great option.Be cautious.Some of these services are not legit.Before you pay money, read reviews and inform yourself.
Step 12: Local ancestry research groups can be contacted.
You can find out if there is a genealogy research group in your area.Some of your family's records may be in these groups.Many of the societies are based online.
Step 13: You can use free trials.
Free trials on websites such as ancestry.com can help you dive into the past quickly.Each trial gives you access to a large database.You will need to be motivated and dedicated to your research.You might be able to learn a lot.
Step 14: Consider testing for genes.
saliva samples can be run through lab tests to find hereditary genetic factors.You may be able to tell if you have genes only found in one part of the world.Paying someone to look through the records is usually more expensive than these services.You might be able to learn a lot more for the price.