Getting Started

Tips for Beginning Your Family Tree

Researching your family history may seem daunting at first, but here are some tips to get you started. You are the first person in your family tree, so begin with YOU. Record your birth, baptism, and marriage dates, as well as the names of your children, parents, etc. Then, it's time to dig deeper. Begin your search right at home. Look for deeds, old photos, and marriage certificates. Ask family members what they have and ask permission to scan or copy them. Take time to interview older family members; they will remember long-gone relatives and might even have fascinating stories to tell.

One of the most important aspects of documenting your family history is to keep track of where you found the information. This is known as citing your sources. It's not just a formality; it will help you find the information again in the future. It also adds credibility to your research. For instance, if Aunt Gertrude has the family Bible, you might record something like this: “Isaac Paul Preston (1827-1892) family Bible owned by Gertrude May Rogers of 123 Main St., Erie, PA. Information copied June 5, 2024, by [insert your name].” Adding information about the year and place the Bible was printed would also be helpful.

Consider joining a genealogy society or a local historical group. This can be a valuable step in your family genealogy journey. You'll have the opportunity to meet others who share your interests, and they can often offer valuable assistance in your search. Social media platforms like Facebook also have numerous groups specializing in different aspects of family history. You can search these groups by ethnicity, the region where your ancestors lived, or just genealogy. You'll find a wealth of groups, including The Erie Society for Genealogical Research. Members are often very helpful.

There are also software programs available to help you organize your family tree, as well as the scanned documents and photos you have collected. Scanning documents instead of creating paper files helps reduce clutter.

Major genealogy websites such as familysearch.org, ancestry.com, and myheritage.com have huge databases containing information including ships' manifests, census documents and even photos of your ancestors. Most of these sites are subscription-based, but others are free. Much like Aunt Gertrude's family Bible, not all genealogy information is online.

When your tree is well established, consider branching out into DNA research. Most major genealogy websites offer test kits. DNA is a much more complicated way to track your family, but it is a fascinating experience. Just be aware that you might find some unexpected results.

Genealogy is the best mystery book you'll ever read because it is all about your roots.

Good luck and enjoy the journey.