Genealogy can be a rewarding and fascinating hobby. Even television networks are beginning to air series they delve into family histories such as NBC’s ‘Who do you think you are?’, and Professor Henry Louis Gates’ ‘Faces of America’ series on PBS. These shows have large budgets and typically feature the family histories of celebrities or well-known figures. These shows can be very informative in educating about the research process. Do not be discouraged by these shows with featured celebrities. Remember, most celebrities were just average working people at one time in their lives. This means many people will typically find some similar interesting stories in their own family, and at times even more interesting characters.
Start Research for a Genealogy Family Tree
The first and easiest thing to do is to interview willing family members. Typically, older family members can provide information about their parents or other relatives, and many times colorful stories about family members as well. However, be sensitive in asking questions if there are certain topics that they simply will not want to discuss. A family member may not want to speak about traumatic events such as illness or war-- do not force the subject. Usually through other research the story may unfold on its own.
Find Family Records
Dust off those old family photo albums or see if a family Bible exists. These can be a fantastic source for names and some general stories about where the family may have lived or spent time.
Take notes of any interviews, and if possible make copies of photos or documents that may help with research in the future.
Locate Local Free and Low Cost Resources
Many local libraries have a local history section, which may even contain genealogical resources for families from the local area. Many college libraries have extensive local historical documents. Check with local historical societies to find out what resources they may have. Local libraries can also be an invaluable research source as many have microfilms of old local newspapers.
If the family is not from the same area, find a local historical society in that area and contact it to find out about the resources it has and to ask about any research services it can provide. Many historical societies have members who specialize in genealogy and can often look for records locally for a reasonable fee.
Use Internet Genealogy Resources
The Internet is a fantastic resource as well, especially if you cannot travel to a larger historical society due to distance. However, make sure to verify the information, as many family trees can errant people and information from poor research techniques. Sites such as ancestry.com can be a great place to find original records such as census records, war draft cards, and many other verified documents. While Ancestry.com charges fees to view original records, they often offer short free trial memberships. Ancestry.com also allows access to public member family trees published on their site, and access to their tips and user forums at no charge as long as the user has a login.
In addition, Ellis Island and Castle Garden, another large immigration hub, both have extensive databases of passengers that immigrated to the United States during the turn of the century. This can be very helpful for research involving members of a family that immigrated to the United States in the peak of the 19th and 20th century waves of immigrations. Many of their records will provide the port of departure as well as any other family members that also arrived on the same voyage. Family search.org is another resource to look up last names to locate information on an ancestor.
Genealogy is a Rewarding Hobby
Uncovering family roots can be a fascinating journey. Learning about a family's history- successes, failures and tragedies can bring life to the characters that helped to shape the way a family exists today. Sharing the details learned with other family members can be rewarding. Most people are curious about certain events or people they didn’t understand from their past and research often can uncover the answers Enjoy starting on this new journey of discovery, and good luck.
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