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Searching for your ancestors? This article discusses tips and recommendations on beginning your family ancestors search.

Starting Your Ancestors Search

Recently there has been an explosion of interest in the field of family history research (otherwise known as genealogy). Some could speculate that this newly found interest was fueled by the popular television series “Who Do You Think You Are?” where celebrities embark on personal journeys into their pasts to solve their family’s mysteries. Another reason could be the uncertainty of tomorrow’s future, economically and metaphysically.

Regardless of your background, the study of our family’s history can bring about a feeling of stability in our ever changing world.

We are not alone in experiencing a poor economy or high unemployment. Throughout history, our ancestors encountered great depressions and extreme poverty worse than we can imagine. The events and patterns of our present day take on a new appreciation for our family’s past.

For others, genealogy is looked upon as an adventure. It is exciting and challenging; no matter if your ancestors were rogues or royalty, they are descendants of your family whether you like it or not. Their very lives are the reason you are here. Regardless of whatever has piqued your interest in your past, now is the time to take advantage of all the wonderful genealogical resources we have at our disposal.

Where to begin? A good place to begin would be in your own home where you will find evidence of your family history all around you. Begin with yourself. Start by writing down your full name, then your father’s and mothers full names working as far back as you are able. Always work from the known to the unknown. Remember to base your calculations on facts of what you do know, which in turn will help resolve the unknown. Complete as much as possible including the vital statistics of you and your parents. You now have two generations.

Documenting Ancestors – Genealogical Charts

Now may be a good time to begin charting your new family information. Two simple genealogical charts: the pedigree chart and the family group chart could be used to help organize your family records. Blank charts can be found free on Cyndi’s List.

Next, check for primary records at home. Primary records are any records created at the time of the event. These would include birth, marriage, and death certificates. Family letters, journals, and diaries could be primary sources if they are recording a particular occasion such as soldier writing home describing his war experiences or mid-wife documenting the birth of a child.

Ancestors Death Records

A death record is a primary source, but also a secondary source for the birth of the deceased. After learning all you can at home, the next step would be contacting and interviewing older relatives who could add not only more pertinent family information, but wonderful stories of the past. With their permission, an audio or video recording would be an excellent way to help document your research.

Older relatives narratives are a great way to jump start your investigation. They can offer limitless clues for moving backward into new undiscovered territory. But remember—not all stories told are a hundred percent factual. You’re Aunt Sally or Grandma Smith may swear up and down the family legend is true, but until proven, they are just that: clues to help you move on.

Ancestors Bible Records

Bible records are another excellent source of family information. In the past, documenting birth, marriage, and death records were frequently done by writing in the family Bible. Before vital records were required by the county or state, our ancestors often kept their own family records. The value of the Bible records depends greatly on who wrote the records. Was he or she a witness to a birth or death? Or was this second hand information which was later added to the Bible? Whatever may be the case, Bible records are truly an invaluable research source to the genealogist.

After gleaning as much information from home and family you probably ready to explore outside sources such as the internet, library, and the Family History Center. The internet by itself contains such a huge treasure trove of information for the family historian that it is hard to know where to begin. Websites such as Ancestry.com and Familysearch.org have literally billions of records at your disposal; in addition, they offer guidance in the way of classes and online seminars. While Ancestry is a subscriber-only site, Family Search is run by the Church of the Latter Day Saints and is free to the public.

Accuracy of Ancestors History

Keep in mind, as you venture into online genealogy that you will not find everything you are seeking to complete your genealogical history. Many records are simply not online. Another fact to consider is that just because it is online does not make it true. Many genealogies posted are filled with inaccuracies. You should always do your own research and use the information posted only as a guide.

Most libraries are genealogy friendly. Many have special rooms dedicated to the genealogist or family historian. Libraries often subscribe to several outstanding websites including Ancestry.com and Newsbank.com. In addition to access to these sites, there is usually an extensive collection of genealogical books and materials.

True Detective Work – Finding Your Ancestors

You’ve been warned: this is a very addicting hobby. Once you begin and find out the real story behind the disappearance of great Uncle Joe or why you’re great, great grandfather left Ireland in such great hurry, you will be hooked.

Like a detective you may travel to archives, county court houses, and cemeteries trying to find that darn lost distant cousin who keeps evading you at every turn. If you are seeking only perfect ancestors, then genealogy is probably not for you. Like it or not, there will no doubt be a black sheep or two in your family if you look long enough.

Genealogy is for everyone: young, old, rich or poor. We all have a past which is begging to be discovered. What do you know about your ancestors?

To get you started, here is one of my favorite stories on how genealogy dectective work reconnected a mother and her son. The article can be found here.