Descendant: A person who is related to an ancestor.
Genealogy: The study of families and the tracing of their lineages and history.
Family Tree: A graphical representation of a person’s ancestry and descendants.
Genealogical Record: A document or item of evidence that provides information about a person’s ancestry.
Vital Records: Records that document important life events such as birth, marriage, and death.
Census Records: Records of a national or local population that are collected and maintained by the government.
Immigration and Naturalization Records: Records that document a person’s migration to a new country and their legal process of becoming a citizen.
Military Records: Records that document a person’s military service and history.
Church and Religious Records: Records kept by religious organizations that document the history and events of their members.
Court Records: Records that document legal proceedings and decisions.
Probate Records: Records that document the distribution of a person’s property after their death.
Online Resources: Websites and databases that provide information for genealogy research.
Archives and Libraries: Physical locations where genealogical records are stored and maintained.
Genealogy Societies: Organizations that support and promote genealogy research and preservation.
DNA Testing: A scientific process that analyzes a person’s DNA to determine their ancestry and relationships to others.
Genealogy Software: Computer programs that assist in organizing, analyzing, and presenting genealogy information.
Family Memories and Heirlooms: Physical items that are passed down from one generation to the next and provide a connection to a person’s family history.
Pedigree Chart: A pedigree chart is a visual representation of an individual’s ancestors, typically displayed in a tree-like format. It can be used to show the direct line of ancestry from an individual back several generations.
Family Group Sheet: A family group sheet is a document that records the essential information about a family unit, including the names of the parents and children, birth and death dates, and other relevant details. It can be used to organize information and keep track of key details about each family unit in a researcher’s genealogy.
Ancestral Chart: An ancestral chart is a visual representation of an individual’s ancestry, similar to a pedigree chart, but typically showing more generations and a wider range of family relationships. It can be used to help identify missing ancestors and fill in gaps in a researcher’s genealogy.
Ahnentafel Chart: An ahnentafel chart is a numerical genealogy chart that lists an individual’s ancestors in a specific numerical order, starting with the individual themselves and working back through each generation. It can be used to help identify specific ancestors and track lineage.
Descendant Chart: A descendant chart is a visual representation of an individual’s descendants, showing the lineage of a particular individual and the relationships between their descendants over several generations. It can be used to help identify descendants and track the lineage of a specific ancestor.
Relationship Chart: A relationship chart is a visual representation of the relationships between individuals in a family, including both direct and indirect relationships. It can be used to help identify the relationship between individuals, such as cousins or distant relatives, and to understand the connections between different branches of a family tree.
Kinship Diagram: A kinship diagram is a visual representation of the relationships between individuals in a family, showing the relationship between each person and the relationships between other individuals in the family. It can be used to help understand the relationships between individuals and to identify the common ancestors of different branches of a family tree.
Surname Distribution Map: A surname distribution map is a visual representation of the geographical distribution of a particular surname, showing the frequency of that surname in different regions. It can be used to help identify geographical origins of a particular surname and to track migration patterns of a specific family.
Autosomal DNA Test: An autosomal DNA test is a test that analyzes genetic material from 22 pairs of chromosomes, which are inherited from both parents. This type of test can provide information about a person’s ancestry from both their maternal and paternal lines and can help identify relatives from multiple generations.
mtDNA Test: An mtDNA test is a test that analyzes genetic material from the mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited from the mother. This type of test can provide information about a person’s maternal line and can help identify distant maternal relatives.
Y-DNA Test: A Y-DNA test is a test that analyzes genetic material from the Y chromosome, which is passed down from father to son. This type of test can provide information about a person’s paternal line and can help identify distant paternal relatives.
X-DNA Test: An X-DNA test is a test that analyzes genetic material from the X chromosome, which is inherited from a person’s mother. This type of test can provide information about a person’s maternal line and can help identify distant maternal relatives.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Test: A SNP test is a test that analyzes specific genetic variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms, that can provide information about a person’s ancestry and help identify relatives.
Whole Genome Sequencing: Whole genome sequencing is a test that analyzes the entire genetic material of an individual, providing detailed information about a person’s ancestry and genetic health. This type of test is more comprehensive than other DNA tests, but is also more expensive.
Health and Wellness DNA Test: A health and wellness DNA test is a test that analyzes a person’s DNA to provide information about their risk for certain health conditions, as well as information about their genetic predisposition for certain traits, such as caffeine metabolism or lactose intolerance.
Genealogy DNA Test: A genealogy DNA test is a test that combines several types of DNA testing, including autosomal, mtDNA, and Y-DNA tests, to provide information about a person’s ancestry and help identify distant relatives. This type of test is popular among genealogists and family historians.
Genealogy research can be a fascinating and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming for beginners. With so many sources to consult, records to access, and research strategies to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. This is where professional genealogists come in: they are trained to help individuals trace their family roots, and they have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Here are six types of genealogy strategies that a professional genealogist might recommend to beginners.
Start with what you know: The best place to start with genealogy research is with the information that you already have. Ask family members about their own memories and any family documents or records that they may have. This information can help you to build a foundation for your research and give you direction for future investigation.
Interview family members: One of the most important strategies in genealogy research is to interview family members. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions about family history, traditions, and stories, and to learn more about your ancestors. Be sure to take notes during these interviews and to follow up with additional questions if needed.
Utilize official records: Official records, such as census records, birth, death and marriage certificates, and immigration records, can provide valuable information about your ancestors. These records can be accessed online or at local archives and libraries, and they often contain information that is not available elsewhere.
Visit historical sites and archives: Visiting historical sites and archives can be a great way to gain a deeper understanding of your family history. You may be able to view original documents, maps, and artifacts related to your ancestors, and you may also be able to speak with staff who can answer your questions.
Use online resources: There are a wealth of online resources available to genealogy researchers, including databases, forums, and websites dedicated to genealogy. These resources can help you to access information quickly and easily, and they can also provide a sense of community and support as you explore your family history.
Consider DNA testing: DNA testing can provide valuable information about your ancestry and help you to connect with distant relatives. There are a variety of DNA tests available, including autosomal, mitochondrial, and Y-chromosome testing, each of which can provide different types of information. Before testing, it is important to understand what each test can and cannot tell you, and to consult with a professional genealogist if needed.
Hire a professional genealogist: If you are struggling with your genealogy research, or if you simply don’t have the time or resources to do it yourself, hiring a professional genealogist can be a great option. A professional genealogist can help you to access records and resources that you might not be able to find on your own, and they can also provide guidance and support as you trace your family roots.
Each of these strategies can be an effective way to begin your genealogy research, and many of them can be used in combination for the best results. The key is to choose the strategies that work best for you, and to be patient and persistent as you explore your family history. Whether you are just starting your genealogy journey or have been tracing your family roots for years, these strategies can help you to build a strong foundation for your research and to uncover the stories of your ancestors.
Online genealogy databases have become an essential tool for family history research. These databases allow you to access a wealth of information about your ancestors from the comfort of your own home. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using online genealogy databases, as well as some tips for getting the most out of your research.
One of the biggest benefits of using online genealogy databases is the convenience they offer. With just a few clicks of a button, you can access millions of records from all over the world. This includes census records, birth, marriage, and death records, military records, and much more. This can save you a lot of time and energy compared to having to visit local archives or libraries to access the same information.
Another benefit of online genealogy databases is the ability to collaborate with other researchers. Many of these databases offer a feature where you can connect with other researchers who are also searching for ancestors in your family tree. This can be a great way to share information and get help with your research. Additionally, these databases often have forums or discussion boards where you can ask questions and get answers from other researchers.
When using online genealogy databases, it’s important to be organized and keep track of your research. This can be done by creating a research plan and keeping detailed notes on the information you find. This will help you avoid duplicating your research and ensure that you don’t miss any important details.
It’s also important to be aware of the different types of records available on online genealogy databases. For example, census records can provide a wealth of information such as names, ages, occupations, and addresses of your ancestors. Birth, marriage, and death records can also provide valuable information about your ancestors. Military records can provide information about your ancestors’ military service, including their rank, unit, and service dates.
It’s also important to note that not all online genealogy databases are created equal. Some databases may have more records for certain countries or regions, while others may have more records for specific time periods. It’s important to do your research and find the databases that are best for your specific needs.
One of the most popular online genealogy databases is Ancestry.com. Ancestry offers a wide range of records from all over the world, including census records, birth, marriage, and death records, military records, and much more. Ancestry also offers a feature called AncestryDNA which allows you to connect with relatives you didn’t know you had by matching your DNA with others in their database.
Another popular online genealogy database is FamilySearch.org. FamilySearch is a non-profit organization that offers a wide range of records from all over the world. This includes census records, birth, marriage, and death records, military records, and much more. FamilySearch also offers a feature called Family Tree where you can create a free family tree and connect with other researchers.
In conclusion, online genealogy databases are an essential tool for family history research. They offer convenience, collaboration, and a wealth of information. By being organized, aware of the different types of records available, and finding the right database for your specific needs, you can make the most out of your research and uncover new insights into your family’s past.
Discovering Your Past 