Photo by Caro WallisGenealogy is an fascinating look into your ancestry .  Some of your family tree research will be easy, and some will be difficult.   Along this journey you will wonder if anything is really accurate as you build your genealogy know how. Legal and census documents may have illegible or incorrect names, wrong dates or errors in places of origin .  As a investigator, you will need to question the documentation to determine whether or not the proof is accurate .

People study their genealogy for many different reasons.  Some wish to join patriotic organizations, which need a proven lineage.  Some do it for religious reasons.  Others for health reasons, trying to trace medical issues through ancestry .  Perhaps they wish to leave a legacy for their children. Most start genealogy because they are fascinated with the study of their family as a whole .  For whatever reason it becomes a gripping project.

There is a difference between a family history and a genealogy .   A genealogy is a collection of of the facts such as names, dates and location .  A family history includes the personal family stories that add interest to the genealogy . 

The often heard question for those new to genealogy is “How do I start ?”  

Work from the known to the unknown – start with yourself , gathering evidence each step of the way.  Be objective and be organized.

There are many tools to get you started on your quest  to genealogy know how.  These include pedigree charts, family group sheets,  and basic organizational techniques. You will learn online search techniques and will become familiar with genealogy databases.

Enroll in a beginner’s genealogy class to learn how to be productive with a family tree project.  Gaining knowledge from experts will show you where to start and how to reduce your research time.

Learn what resources and relevant maps to have on hand . Locate local libraries, genealogical and history archives . 

Collect family papers , legal documents, census records , oral history stories , photographs , jewlery, pins, medals, ribbons, birth and wedding announcements , memorial cards , obituaries, holiday reminders and artifacts , scrapbooks and momentos .

Become excited, awestruck and filled with wonder as you increase your genealogy know how and build your family tree.