Introduction To Starting Your Family Tree

A Guide for New Genealogists

Watch the video version below or keep reading!

Good day and welcome to, ‘Discovering Your Past’.

Are you curious about your family’s history? And, Are you eager to embark on a journey of discovery through your family tree? You’re in the right place! My main objective is to introduce you to genealogy. We’ll guide you through the initial steps of research, and help you understand the exciting world of family history.

What is a Family Tree?

A family tree, also known as a Pedigree Chart or genealogical tree, it is a visual representation that displays family members, and their relationships across multiple generations. It serves as a roadmap to your ancestry, helping you uncover your family’s history.

Note: See the Pedigree Chart at end of this article I created on Canva.com

Genealogy – What is it?

Genealogy is the systematic study of family trees and ancestral histories. It involves delving into the past to trace your family members and their ancestors. The interest in genealogy has grown significantly over the last century as people have become more curious about their roots, seeking answers about their ancestors’ lives and legacies.

How Do I Start Researching My Family Tree?

The journey of researching your family tree begins with a desire to uncover your past. There are various tools and resources available to assist you in your quest. Here are some ways to get started:

• Public Records: Access publicly available records like census data, wills, and vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates).
• Private Records: Family letters, photographs, diaries, and other private documents can provide personal insights into your family history.
• DNA Testing: Genetic testing can reveal your ancestral origins and connect you with potential relatives.
• Family History Websites: Online platforms such as Ancestry, MyHeritage, and FindMyPast offer tools and resources for building your family tree.
• Genealogy Software: Specialized software can help you organize and document your research efficiently.

Why Should I Research My Genealogy?

Understanding your genealogy offers several benefits:

• Discover Ancestral Origins: Learn about your family’s roots and the geographical regions your ancestors came from.
• Confirm Family History: Genealogy research can confirm or amend the family stories and legends you’ve heard.
• Connect with Your Past: By studying your ancestors, you gain insight into your heritage and the experiences that shaped your family.
• Get to Know Yourself: Genealogy helps you discover more about yourself by understanding the genetic traits and cultural influences passed down through generations.

What Will You Get If You Follow The ‘Discovering Your Past’ Blog?

Our blog aims to provide you with the tools and guidance necessary to achieve your genealogy goals. Whether genealogy is a hobby or a passion, these resources will support your journey. What you’ll receive by following our blog:

• A Starting Point: Beginning with yourself, we’ll guide you on a step-by-step journey through your family tree.
• Documentation: As you research, we’ll emphasize the importance of proper citations and record-keeping.
• Online Genealogy Subscriptions: Advice on starting your genealogical journey with free online resources and when to consider upgrading to a paid subscription.
• Setting Goals: A systematic approach to setting goals and following a consistent set of steps.
• Leaving a Legacy: The idea of creating a family history book to pass down to future generations.

Setting Your Sights and Leaving a Legacy

As you delve deeper into your genealogy research, you might consider creating a family history book to leave as a keepsake for your descendants. It becomes a valuable legacy, preserving your family’s story for future generations.

Have You Started Your Family Tree?

If you’ve already begun your journey into genealogy, that’s wonderful! Your family tree is a work in progress, and each discovery adds a new branch. If you haven’t started yet, that’s perfectly okay. We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Keep reading below…

22 Steps in Researching Your Family Tree

This is the ideal desktop checklist for new genealogists to use at their fingertips when researching their ancestors.

New genealogist’s will benefit from using these steps as they will guide you in your ancestral research.

Researching your family tree can be a rewarding journey, but it’s essential to follow a structured approach to ensure accuracy and success. Here’s a sequence of 22 steps to guide new family historians in their research, along with suggested tips and strategies:

1. Start with yourself: Begin by documenting your own information, including your full name, birthdate, birthplace, and any other significant life events.
2. Gather what information you already have or know: Collect any family records, photos, documents, and stories that you or your relatives may already possess. These can provide valuable clues.
3. Start the search with one family at a time by talking to family members and relatives: Interview older family members to gather information about your immediate family and close relatives. Record their memories and stories for future reference.
4. Become a member of an online ancestry website: Sign up for a reputable genealogy website, such as Ancestry.com or MyHeritage, to access vast online databases and connect with other researchers.
5. Join an online Genealogy forum: Participate in genealogy forums to seek advice, share findings, and connect with experienced researchers who can guide you.
6. Obtain or locate copies of birth certificates or baptism records, marriage records, death or burial records, and obituary notices: Request these vital records from government agencies, archives, or family records. They provide essential information for your research.
7. Find ancestors in Census Records, Military documents, and ship’s passenger lists: Census records and military documents can reveal family members and their service details, while passenger lists help trace immigration history.
8. Find ancestors through city directories, land records, court & prison records, and immigration & naturalization records: These records offer insights into your ancestors’ daily lives, property ownership, legal matters, and immigration history.
9. Contact other relatives and descendants through ancestry websites or Genealogy forums: Collaborate with distant relatives who may be researching the same family lines. They may possess valuable information.
10. Join a mailing list and search message boards through RootsWeb: RootsWeb is a valuable resource for connecting with other genealogists, sharing information, and seeking assistance.
11. Expand your family history resources and use social media (Facebook and Twitter) to make new connections: Utilize social media platforms to connect with distant relatives and engage with genealogy groups.
12. Read genealogy articles: Stay updated with the latest genealogy research techniques and tips by reading articles in genealogy magazines or online resources.
13. Research online newspaper archives: Newspapers provide a wealth of information about your ancestors, including birth announcements, obituaries, and other life events.
14. Check websites that offer historical or genealogical societies in the area you’re researching: Local genealogical societies often maintain valuable resources and can provide guidance specific to your research area.
15. Subscribe to a free newsletter or a blog: Stay informed about the latest developments in genealogy by subscribing to newsletters or blogs from reputable genealogy experts.
16. Check out funeral home records: Funeral home records can offer additional information about your ancestors, including burial locations and family relationships.
17. Check out online cemetery records and visit them, record, and take photographs of your findings: Visit cemeteries where your ancestors are buried, take photographs of gravestones, and document inscriptions.
18. Go to locations where your ancestors came from: Visit the places where your ancestors lived to gain a better understanding of their lives and possibly uncover local records.
19. Re-evaluate your research and ensure everything is well-documented with reference citations: Regularly review your research to identify gaps and ensure proper documentation of sources and references.
20. Create your own Family Tree Record Sheets and Pedigree Charts: Organize your findings on family tree charts and pedigree charts to visualize your genealogy.
21. Backup your personal or online files onto a USB flash drive and properly label it: Safeguard your research by creating backups of your digital files and records.
22. Share and publish your family tree: Share your findings with relatives and consider publishing your family tree online to connect with others researching the same lines.

By following this step-by-step guide and utilizing the suggested tips and strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your family history research journey and uncover the fascinating stories of your ancestors.

So There you have the step-by step guide, but wait, here is another important step that can be incorporated into your genealogy research.

Step 23. DNA Testing

Unlocking Hidden Family Secrets

Benefits:

• Discover Ancestral Origins: DNA testing can reveal your ancestral roots and provide insights into your genetic heritage.
• Confirm Genealogical Research: DNA tests can validate or clarify your documented family tree by confirming relationships and uncovering unknown relatives.
• Connect with Distant Relatives: DNA databases enable you to connect with previously unknown cousins and other relatives who may hold valuable family history information.
• Break Through Brick Walls: When traditional genealogical research hits a dead end, DNA testing can help you overcome obstacles and extend your family tree.

Tips and Strategies:

• Choose the Right Test: Select the DNA test that suits your research goals. Autosomal DNA tests (e.g., AncestryDNA, 23andMe) are best for overall genealogy, while Y-DNA and mtDNA tests provide specific paternal and maternal line information.
• Research Testing Companies: Compare DNA testing companies to find the one that best fits your needs. Consider factors like the size of their DNA database and the availability of family tree integration.
• Educate Yourself: Learn the basics of DNA testing, such as understanding centiMorgans (cM), segments, and the different types of matches (close relatives, distant cousins, etc.).
• Build and Share Your Family Tree: Link your DNA results to a well-documented family tree on the testing company’s platform. This will help you and potential matches identify common ancestors.
• Contact Matches: When you receive DNA matches, reach out to them with a friendly message. Share information about your common ancestors and your research goals.
• Use Third-Party Tools: Utilize third-party websites and tools like GEDmatch and DNA Painter to gain more insights from your DNA results.
• Join DNA Interest Groups: Many genealogy websites and social media platforms host DNA-specific interest groups where you can collaborate with others researching similar lineages.
• Be Patient: DNA research can be complex, and results may take time to yield meaningful connections. Stay patient and persistent in your efforts.
• Consult with Genetic Genealogists: If your research becomes especially challenging, consider seeking guidance from professional genetic genealogists who specialize in DNA analysis.
• Respect Privacy: When reaching out to DNA matches, respect their privacy and boundaries. Not everyone may be as enthusiastic about genealogy as you are.
• Analyze Shared Matches: Look at shared matches between your DNA matches. Common shared matches can provide important clues about your shared ancestors.

Incorporating DNA testing into your family history research can be a powerful tool for uncovering hidden family secrets, confirming relationships, and connecting with relatives you may not have otherwise discovered. Remember to combine DNA testing with traditional genealogical research to create a comprehensive family history.

Get Started Today

To kick-start your genealogy journey, you can download our checklist for the “22 Steps In Researching Your Family Tree”or better yet, consider purchasing a copy of the book, which is available on Amazon. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the necessary tools and knowledge to begin your genealogy adventure.

Family history research is a rewarding and captivating endeavor that can connect you with your heritage, reveal long-lost stories, and create a lasting legacy for future generations. We look forward to guiding you through this exciting journey of discovery.

Create a Pedigree Chart

I created this version of my Pedigree Chart on Canva.com, be creative and make one of your own.

Links:

Discovering Your Past – The Genealogy Bible Volume 1

Discovering Your Past – Charts & Forms Workbook Volume 2

22 Steps in Researching Your Family Tree

22 Steps Checklist (new) (FREE Checklist)

Note: Book link URL’s are re-directed to Amazon.com