Top 5 Genealogy Tips for Beginners

Top 5 Genealogy Tips for Beginners – A simple checklist to help you start your family history journey today

​Starting your genealogy journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many resources and techniques available, it’s essential to know where to begin. Here are my top five genealogy tips for beginners, complete with examples and detailed guidance to help you start your family history adventure.

1. Start with What You Know

One of the most fundamental rules in genealogy is to start with what you know. Begin by gathering information from your own family, including parents, grandparents, and other close relatives. Record their full names, birth and death dates, places of residence, and any stories they may have shared about your ancestors.

Example:
Imagine you’re trying to trace your great-grandfather’s origins. Begin by asking your family members what they know about him. Perhaps your grandmother remembers that he was born in a small town in Ohio and worked as a blacksmith. This information provides a starting point for your research, helping you to focus on specific locations and time periods.
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Tip in Action: Create a simple family tree chart starting with yourself and working backward. Write down every piece of information you gather, even if it seems insignificant. A small detail, like a family nickname or a vague memory of a place, can become a crucial clue later in your research.

2. Use Census Records as a Foundation

Census records are a treasure trove of information for genealogists, especially beginners. They provide snapshots of a family at specific points in time, listing names, ages, occupations, and sometimes even relationships within the household. These records are invaluable for constructing timelines and identifying potential new avenues of research.

Example:
Let’s say you’re researching your great-grandmother, who was born around 1900. By locating her in the 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 U.S. Census records, you can track her family’s movements, discover her parents' names, and even identify siblings you may not have known about. Additionally, censuses often reveal occupations, which can lead you to other types of records like employment files or local directories.
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Tip in Action: When you find your ancestors in a census record, jot down every detail, including neighbors and other household members. Sometimes extended family members lived nearby or even with your ancestors, offering additional clues. For example, a previously unknown aunt living in the same household might lead you to another branch of your family tree.

You can learn more about what you can find in census records starting with my blog The 1850 U.S. Census: One of the Golden Genealogy Records and continuing from there. 

3. Document Your Sources

Properly documenting your sources is a habit that will pay off in the long run. Every time you find a new piece of information, whether it’s from a census record, a family bible, or a birth certificate, make sure to record where you found it. This practice ensures the credibility of your research and allows others to follow your research trail.

Example:
Suppose you discover your great-grandfather’s birth date in an old church record. It’s tempting to write down the date and move on, but take the time to note the specific name of the church, the location, and even the book and page number if available. This way, if anyone questions the accuracy of your information, you can point them directly to the original source.
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Tip in Action: Use a research log or software like a genealogy database to keep track of your sources. Even a simple spreadsheet can work wonders for organizing your citations. This habit will prevent headaches later when you need to revisit a particular source or share your findings with others. Trust me; I'm still paying for this from my beginning research days.

4. Verify Information Before Accepting It as Fact

Genealogy is full of surprises, but not all of them are accurate. It’s crucial to verify every piece of information you find before accepting it as fact. This step is particularly important when working with online trees or records that may have been transcribed incorrectly.

Example:
You might find an online family tree that shows your great-great-grandfather’s birthplace as New York. Before you add this information to your own tree, seek out additional sources that confirm this detail, such as birth certificates, census records, or land deeds. In some cases, you might find conflicting information, requiring you to dig deeper to uncover the truth.
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Tip in Action: ​Compare multiple sources before drawing conclusions. If three different records list the same birth date and place, it’s likely accurate. But if two records show conflicting information, you may need to investigate further to determine which is correct. Always be skeptical of information that doesn’t have a source attached or that comes from secondary sources like online trees.

5. Explore Local Archives and Libraries

While online research is convenient, don’t overlook the value of local archives, libraries, and genealogical societies. These repositories often hold unique records that aren’t available online, such as local newspapers, land deeds, church records, and more. Visiting these places can unearth information that provides a richer, more detailed picture of your ancestors’ lives.

Example:
If you’re researching ancestors who lived in a rural town, consider visiting the local library or county courthouse. You might find property records showing where your ancestors lived, old newspapers with obituaries, or even court records involving your ancestors. These local resources can provide context and fill in gaps that online databases may not cover.
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Tip in Action: Call ahead or check the website of the local archive or library to understand what records they hold and any special requirements for accessing them. Some archives may require appointments, while others might have helpful staff who can guide you to relevant records. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance—they often have resources and knowledge that can significantly aid your research.

You can learn more about what records and free resources you can obtain from local repositories in my blog post Genealogy Resources: Genealogical Societies, Historical Societies, and Libraries for Genealogical Research. 

Conclusion

By following these five tips, you’ll establish a strong foundation for your genealogy research. Remember, patience and persistence are key. Every record, story, and detail you uncover brings you closer to understanding your family’s unique history. Happy researching!

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