25 Resources For Tracing Your Family Ancestry

Tracing your family tree is the process of researching and documenting the lineage of your ancestors. This can be done by gathering information from various sources such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, and other historical documents. Many people find it interesting to learn about their ancestors and discover their family’s history. Additionally, tracing your family tree can also provide insight into medical and genetic conditions that may be passed down from generation to generation. There are many resources available to help you in your research, such as online genealogy databases, local historical societies, and libraries. It can be a fun and rewarding hobby that can also help connect you with living relatives you may not have known existed.

However, many people are unaware of the resources available to them beyond basic methods such as interviewing family members and checking birth and marriage certificates. To help those who are serious about tracing their ancestry, here is a list of 25 resources to take advantage of:

  1. Interviewing family members: Not only parents and grandparents, but also aunts, uncles, and distant cousins. Start by drawing a quick family tree going back just two generations and start making calls or sending emails. Some important information to gather includes complete names (married and maiden names), addresses throughout their lives, birth records, military service, marriage records, property records, burial records, and old pictures with names and dates.
  2. Family bibles: While not as common these days, in the past, families kept their bibles forever, often recording family members, births, marriages, and deaths within them.
  3. Old family letters: These letters can often contain important dates, facts, and places that will be helpful in tracing your ancestry. Check return addresses and postmarks for information.
  4. Legal documents: Deeds, wills, marriage licenses, birth certificates, voter registration, adoption records, and judgements can all provide valuable information. Start by searching state and county records.
  5. Ancestors’ associations: Churches, clubs, veterans groups, and lodges may be able to provide background information.
  6. Census data: After 1840, the census collected information such as age, place of birth, occupation, personal wealth, education, spouse, children, and immigration information. Copies of census forms from 1790 to 1930 can be found at the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration and select Federal depository libraries.
  7. Naturalization records: Contact the state archives and the NARA regional facility that serves the state where naturalization occurred to request a search of state, county, and federal court records.
  8. Grave sites: Headstones can provide dates and possible family names.
  9. Libraries: Newspaper articles, local histories, and genealogy books can be found in libraries.
  10. Online genealogy databases: Websites such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and MyHeritage.com offer access to a wide variety of records and documents.
  11. Local historical societies and archives: These organizations may have records and documents specific to your area.
  12. Genealogy software and apps: These tools can help organize your research and build your family tree.
  13. Genealogy websites and forums: Connect with other genealogy enthusiasts and get help with your research.
  14. Professional genealogists: Hire a professional genealogist or researcher if you are having trouble getting started or are facing an obstacle in your research.
  15. Genealogy societies: Join a genealogy society to connect with others who share your interest in tracing their family tree.
  16. Social media: Use social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to connect with distant relatives and share information about your research.
  17. DNA testing: DNA testing can provide information about your ancestry and potential living relatives.
  18. Online forums and message boards: Join online forums and message boards to connect with others who are researching their family tree and share information and advice.
  19. Historical newspapers: Old newspapers can provide information about your ancestors’ lives, including marriages, births, deaths, and other events. They can also provide insight into the social and historical context of their time. Many historical newspapers can be found online or in libraries and archives.
  20. Military records: If your ancestors served in the military, their records can provide valuable information about their service, including dates, locations, and rank. These records can be found at the National Archives or through online databases.
  21. Immigration and emigration records: These records can provide information about when and how your ancestors immigrated to or emigrated from a country, as well as their place of origin.
  22. Land and property records: These records can provide information about your ancestors’ land ownership and property transactions, which can help you trace their movements over time.
  23. Tax records: Tax records can provide information about your ancestors’ occupation, property, and wealth, as well as their place of residence.
  24. School and church records: These records can provide information about your ancestors’ education and religious affiliation, as well as their place of residence.
  25. Genealogy blogs and podcasts: There are a wealth of genealogy blogs and podcasts available online that can provide tips, advice, and inspiration for tracing your family tree.

Overall, There are many resources available for tracing your family tree, and the best one for you will depend on your specific research needs and goals.

Joining an Online Genealogy Forum

Joining an online genealogy forum is a great way to connect with other genealogy enthusiasts, share information, and receive support and guidance as you research your family history. Genealogy forums are online communities where members can post questions, share information, and collaborate on research projects. They are a valuable resource for genealogists of all levels, from beginners to experienced researchers.

When you join an online genealogy forum, you will be able to access a wealth of information and resources from other members. You can ask questions about specific ancestors or research challenges, and other members will often provide helpful advice and suggestions. For example, if you are having trouble locating a specific record, you can post a question on the forum and receive advice from other members who have experience with similar problems.

Online genealogy forums also provide a platform for sharing information and collaborating on research projects. For example, if you have found a record for an ancestor that you think might be helpful for other members, you can post it on the forum and share it with the community. Similarly, if you are working on a research project and you need help or additional information, you can post a request on the forum and other members may be able to assist you.

Another benefit of joining an online genealogy forum is the ability to connect with other genealogy enthusiasts from around the world. Genealogy forums are often international communities, and you can connect with members from all over the world who share your interest in genealogy. This can be especially valuable if you are researching ancestors who lived in other countries, as you can receive guidance and advice from members who have experience with the local records and research practices.

Online genealogy forums also provide a great way to learn about new resources, techniques, and tools for genealogy research. Members often share information about new records that have become available online or about new software or apps that can be used for genealogy research. This can help you to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and to improve your research skills.

When choosing an online genealogy forum to join, it’s important to consider the focus of the forum and the level of activity. Some forums are dedicated to specific regions or time periods, while others are more general and cover a wide range of topics. It’s also important to consider the level of activity, as some forums may be more active than others and may have more knowledgeable members to help answer your questions.

It’s also important to consider the rules and guidelines of each forum before joining. Some forums may have strict rules about the type of content that can be posted, while others may be more relaxed. Also, be aware of the tone and atmosphere of the forum, as some may have a more serious tone and others may be more laid-back.

In conclusion, joining an online genealogy forum is a great way to connect with other genealogy enthusiasts, share information, and receive support and guidance as you research your family history. Genealogy forums are online communities where members can post questions, share information, and collaborate on research projects. They are a valuable resource for genealogists of all levels, from beginners to experienced researchers. Before joining, it’s important to consider the focus of the forum, the level of activity, the rules and guidelines of the forum and the tone of the community. With the right forum, you can deepen your understanding of genealogy and gain valuable insights into your family history.

Becoming a Member of an Online Ancestry Website

Becoming a member of an online ancestry website is an excellent way to research your family history and to connect with other genealogy enthusiasts. Online ancestry websites offer a wealth of resources and tools to help you to research your family history, including access to millions of records, interactive family trees, and a community of fellow researchers. If you’re interested in exploring your family history, then becoming a member of an online ancestry website is a great place to start.

When you become a member of an online ancestry website, the first thing you’ll want to do is to create your family tree. This is a visual representation of your family history, showing the relationships between different members of your family. Many online ancestry websites offer interactive family tree builders, which make it easy to add new information and to collaborate with other members of your family.

One of the most important benefits of online ancestry websites is the access to a vast collection of records. Many online ancestry websites have partnerships with libraries, archives, and other institutions to provide access to millions of records, such as census records, birth and death records, marriage records, and military records. This can provide a wealth of information about your ancestors, including their names, dates of birth, and occupation.

Another benefit of online ancestry websites is the ability to connect with other researchers. Many online ancestry websites have message boards, forums, and other social features that allow members to share information, ask questions, and collaborate on research projects. This can be an invaluable resource when you’re trying to break through a brick wall in your research or when you’re looking for information about a specific ancestor.

Online ancestry websites also offer a variety of tools and resources to help you with your research. Some websites offer research guides, tutorials, and webinars to help you learn how to use the website and to get the most out of your research. Other websites offer DNA testing services, which can help you to connect with living relatives and to find out more about your ethnic origins.

When choosing an online ancestry website, it’s important to consider the type of membership options they offer and the cost. Some websites offer free memberships with limited access to records and features, while others offer paid memberships with more extensive access to records and tools. In addition, some websites offer subscription-based memberships with access to all the site’s resources, while others offer pay-per-view options for specific records.

It’s also important to consider the kind of records and tools each website offers, as well as the quality of the information available. Some websites have a larger collection of records, while others focus on specific regions or time periods. Some websites also offer more advanced tools for analyzing and interpreting the information you find.

In conclusion, becoming a member of an online ancestry website is an excellent way to research your family history and to connect with other genealogy enthusiasts. Online ancestry websites offer a wealth of resources and tools to help you to research your family history, including access to millions of records, interactive family trees, and a community of fellow researchers. However, it’s important to consider the type of membership options and the cost and the kind of records and tools each website offers before signing up. With the right website, you can uncover a wealth of information about your ancestors and gain a deeper understanding of your family history.