Have you ever wondered who you are, where you come from, or what stories live quietly in your family’s past? I’ve asked myself those same questions, and they’ve led me down an incredible journey of discovery. That journey is the reason I built darrellgibbs-author.com—a place where I can share what I’ve learned, the mistakes I’ve made, and the tools that can help you uncover your own story.
I want to take a few minutes here to explain what you’ll gain when you visit my site, and why “Discovering Your Past” is so much more than a hobby—it’s a connection to identity, belonging, and legacy.
Why I Started This Path
For those who may not know me yet, I spent 29 years in the Canadian Armed Forces before my curiosity about genealogy and family history grew into something much bigger. What began as a personal project—piecing together the lives of those who came before me—turned into a passion for helping others do the same.
I’ve written several genealogy resource eBooks, including:
22 Steps in Researching Your Family Tree,
38 Family Tree Research Resources (For Canadians), and
New Leaves (A Worldwide Resource with Over 1500 Links).
These came out of countless hours of research, trial and error, and the joy of discovery. On my site, I share the same lessons so you don’t have to start from scratch the way I once did.
What You’ll Learn from My Site
When you dive into darrellgibbs-author.com, here’s what I’ll walk you through:
Getting Started the Right Way
I know how overwhelming genealogy can feel at first. That’s why I put together my 22 Steps guide. It gives you a roadmap so you’ll know where to begin, what records to look for, and how to keep everything organized as you go.
Choosing the Right Tools & Software
When I started, I wasted time with tools that didn’t really fit my needs. Now, I share honest breakdowns of genealogy software so you can decide what works best for you—whether you want something simple, or a program with more advanced features.
Finding and Using Vital Records
Birth certificates, church records, census data, immigration papers—these are the lifeblood of family history. On my site, I guide you through where to find them, how to read them, and how to piece them together into a fuller picture of your ancestors’ lives.
Balancing Free and Paid Resources
Let’s be honest—genealogy can get expensive. I highlight the free resources that give you the most bang for your buck, and I’ll also tell you when it might be worth investing in a paid option. This way you save both money and frustration.
Keeping Your Research Organized
Over the years I’ve learned that little habits—like keeping proper logs, using consistent naming systems, and backing up your files—make a huge difference. I share the systems I use so you won’t get lost in a sea of names and dates.
Staying Motivated
Researching family history can be emotional—sometimes exciting, sometimes frustrating. I share the highs and lows of my own journey so you’ll know you’re not alone. Genealogy is about more than facts; it’s about stories and connection.
Sharing and Preserving What You Discover
What good is all this research if it just sits in a folder? I’ll show you ways to share your findings—whether it’s through ebooks, printed family histories, or digital family trees—so your family’s story lives on for generations.
The Benefits You’ll Gain
So, what’s in it for you if you take this journey with me? Here are some of the rewards I’ve seen—not just in my own work, but in the lives of people I’ve helped:
A Stronger Connection to Who You Are
When you know your family’s story, you understand yourself more deeply. It’s grounding, and in many cases, healing.
Closer Family Bonds
Sharing discoveries sparks conversations across generations. I’ve seen parents, kids, and grandparents come together around stories they never knew.
A Lasting Legacy
Your research ensures that future generations won’t lose touch with their past. They’ll have a record, a story, a legacy.
New Skills You Can Use Anywhere
Genealogy teaches you to research carefully, analyze evidence, and organize information. Those are skills that reach far beyond family history.
Joy and Wonder
There’s nothing like uncovering a long-lost ancestor or discovering how history shaped your family. Every piece of information adds a new layer to your own story.
How to Get the Most Out of My Site
If you’re ready to start, here’s how I suggest diving in:
Download one of my guides or ebooks. They’ll give you structure and direction from day one.
Read through the blog posts. Pick the topics that match where you are right now—whether that’s choosing software or digging into records.
Keep notes on your journey. A research log is your best friend. Be patient. Some discoveries take time. Every little piece is progress.
For me, discovering my past has been more than a hobby—it’s been a way of making sense of my own life, of honoring those who came before, and of giving something meaningful to those who will come after.
Why This Matters to Me
That’s what I want for you too. I built darrellgibbs-author.com so you don’t have to feel lost or alone in this process. You’ll find guides, tools, resources, and encouragement all in one place.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever had the urge to dig into your family’s story—or even if you’re just a little curious—this is the perfect time to start. Take a look at the resources on my site. Download a guide. Begin with the names you already know and the questions you’ve always wanted to ask.
Because when you discover your past, you’re not just learning about history—you’re uncovering a part of yourself.
Discovering Your Past 