Welcome to Genealogy

1. Think like a genealogist!

When doing genealogy, you should remember the three “W’s”: Who (a name), When (a date), and Where (a place). These three items will help you get a great deal more information as you delve deeper into history. Remember to take notes and write down your sources!

 2. Start your pedigree chart and family group sheet(s).

We have included a Pedigree Chart and a Family Group Sheet in your starter kit. A pedigree chart, also known as a family tree, is a diagram that maps out your ancestry. Start with yourself and fill in as much information as you can about your family. Copy the family group sheet for every couple in your family, filling in information about their children.

 3. Talk to family and go through family treasures.

The first step in your research is to find clues without leaving home! Start to interview your immediate family members in person and on the phone to discuss your memories of close relatives. Write down who you talk to and important facts that are mentioned – remember, always ask about where people lived, because this is key to finding written evidence of a person’s life. Also, spend some time going through family records and heirlooms, using the Family and Home Information Sources worksheet as a guide.

 4. Search the U.S. Census, vital records, and other records.

Once you have done some research at home, use the Genealogical Records Selection Table to decide which records will help you fill in missing pieces in your pedigree chart. The U.S. Census is available from 1790-1930 and can include names, dates, locations, and occupations. Verify and discover vital information through the Social Security Death Index, birth, marriage, and divorce records online and through government agencies. Additional life information can be found in immigration and naturalization records, military records, and the Freedmen’s Index.

 5. Be prepared to travel and meet dead ends.

Every genealogist knows that sometimes answers can only be found at the source, such as at a local county courthouse or a cemetery. Perhaps more importantly, genealogists can find themselves at a dead end in their research. Resources such as the Ancestry.com, online message boards and forums, surname searches in histories and biographies, and even the services of a certified genealogist can help bring new leads to your research. Take your time, check your sources, and enjoy the rewards of genealogy!

Birth

 Baby book

 Adoption record

Marriage

 Wedding announcement

 Wedding book

 Anniversary announcement

Divorce

 Paperwork

Death

 Obituary

 Funeral book

 Will

 Memorial cards

School

 Report cards

 Honor roll

 Awards

 Graduation diplomas

 Transcripts

 Yearbooks

Religious Activity

 Blessing 

 Baptismal/christening record

 Confirmation record

 Ordination record

 Ministerial record

Everyday Life

 Journal/diary

 Biography

 Letters

 Photographs

 Publications

 Newspaper clippings

 Scrapbooks

Military Service

 Selective service records

 Pension records

 National Guard records

 Disability records

 Service medals/ribbons

 Discharge records

 Sword/firearms

 Uniform

Employment

 Social Security card

 Apprenticeship records

 Disability records

 Pension records

 Income tax records

 Union records

 Retirement records

Land & Property Ownership

 Deeds

 Land grants

 Water rights

 Mortgages/leases

 Abstracts of title

 Estate records

Health

 Hospital/medical records

 Immunization records

 Insurance papers

Citizenship

 Naturalization papers

 Alien registration

 Deportment papers

Family

 Bibles

 Lineages/genealogies 

 Histories

 Bulletins/newsletters

 Coats of arms

 Civil & Legal Activity

 Bonds

 Summons/subpoena

 Guardian papers

 Contracts 

Household Items

 Engraved items

 Dishes/silverware

 Tapestries/needlework

 Quilts 

Licenses

 Business/occupation

 Professional

 Hunting/fishing

 Firearms

 Driver/motor vehicles

 Passport/visas

CHARTS

5 Generation Pedigree Chart

7 Generation Pedigree Chart

Picture Chart

Fan Chart

4 Generation Fan Chart (For Kids)

GUIDES

Breaking through “Brick” Walls