If you’re interested in exploring your family history, you’re not alone. According to a 2018 Pew Research Center study, 42 percent of U.S. adults have done at least some research into their family tree. If you’re just getting started, there are a few things to consider to help you begin your family history research. Keep reading to learn more about where to start your research and what resources are available.
Talk to your relatives about your family history research.
When beginning your family history research, it is important to talk to your relatives about their memories of your family. They may have valuable information that you are unaware of and can help you get started on your research. Additionally, talking to your relatives can help build a stronger relationship with them. By sharing old photos, stories, and other information about your family, you can create a lasting connection with them.
Your relatives may have old photos of your family that you have never seen before. Be sure to ask them to share these photos with you, as you may be surprised at the information you can learn from them. Oftentimes, old photos can provide clues about your family’s history and where they came from.
Your relatives may also have stories about your family that you have never heard before. Be sure to ask them to share these stories with you, as they can be a valuable source of information. These stories can help you learn more about your family’s traditions and culture.
Talking to your relatives can also help build a stronger relationship with them. By sharing old photos, stories, and other information about your family, you can create a lasting connection with them. This connection can be a valuable source of support and encouragement for them.
Try doing a people search on the internet.
One thing you might consider when starting your family research journey is to use a people search engine. Websites like True People Search provides access to public records. It can be used to find information about people, such as their addresses, phone numbers, and criminal records. The website is free to use, and it is easy to navigate. In order to use the website, you will need the person’s first and last name. It will also be helpful if you know the state where they live. These websites can help you locate long-lost family members to allow you to begin putting the pieces of the larger puzzle together. These sites are better than just doing a Google search because you can get much more narrowed results.
Use social media to connect with other family historians.
One of the best ways to get started on your family history research is to connect with other family historians who may be able to help you locate information or put you in touch with others who can assist you in your research efforts. The internet makes it easy to find these people; all you need is a computer and an internet connection.
Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter can be great resources for putting your family puzzle together. Simply type “family history” into the Facebook or Twitter search bar, and a list of websites, groups, and individuals will pop up who are interested in genealogy. By joining one of these groups or following one of these individuals, you will have access to tons of helpful information and resources that can make your family history research easier!
Gather your family’s information and documents.
One of the first steps in starting your family history research is gathering information and documents about your relatives. This may include birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, census records, and military service records. You can start by asking your relatives for information they may have about their ancestors. You can also search online databases and archives for records related to your family. If you find any documents or records, make copies or scan them into a digital format so you can access them later.
The article provides helpful tips for getting started with family history research, including conducting interviews and using online resources and tapping into government resources. Overall, family history research can be a rewarding experience that can help individuals learn more about their ancestors and their families.
