Member-only story

A Comprehensive Guide for Family Historians: Tracing Your Ancestors

Cruz Simmons

·15.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Tracing Your Family History On The Internet: A Guide For Family Historians (Tracing Your Ancestors)

5 min read

337 View Claps

50 Respond

Save

Listen

Genealogy, the study of family lineages, offers a fascinating journey into our past, connecting us to our ancestors and providing insights into our origins. Whether you're a seasoned family historian or just starting your exploration, this guide will serve as a valuable resource, providing step-by-step instructions, tips, and resources to help you unravel the mysteries of your family tree.

Tracing Your Family History on the Internet: A Guide for Family Historians (Tracing your Ancestors)

by Deborah Lipsky

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	32559 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	308 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Getting Started: What You Need to Know

Gather Family Information: Talk to your family members, especially the eldest, to collect names, dates, and places of birth, marriage, and death. This initial information will form the foundation of your research.
Organize Your Data: Keep a notebook or use software to organize the information you collect. Note down sources for each piece of data, as it will be crucial for verifying your findings later.
Identify Your Research Goals: Determine what specific information you're looking for. Are you interested in tracing a particular ancestor's lineage, finding out about your family's migration patterns, or unearthing family stories?

Exploring Historical Records

Historical records are invaluable sources of information for genealogists. Here's a guide to some key record types and where to find them:

Birth, Marriage, and Death Records: These records provide essential information about your ancestors' lives, including dates and locations of events, witnesses, and family relationships. They are usually available through local government offices, archives, or online databases.
Census Records: Census data offers glimpses into your ancestors' households, occupations, and neighborhoods. These records are released every ten years and can be found on websites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, and MyHeritage.
Land Records: Deeds, mortgages, and property transfers can indicate where your ancestors lived and owned land. These records are typically stored in county courthouses or land registries.
Military Records: Service records provide information about your ancestors' military service, including enlistments, promotions, and battles fought. They can be found at the National Archives and state archives.
Immigration and Passenger Lists: These records document the arrival of your ancestors in a new country, providing valuable information about their origins, occupations, and family members traveling with them.

Online Resources for Family Historians

The internet has revolutionized family history research, providing access to vast databases and online repositories. Here are some essential resources:

Ancestry.com: A commercial website offering subscription-based access to a massive collection of historical records, including birth, marriage, and death certificates, census data, and military records.
FamilySearch: A free website provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offering access to billions of digitized historical records from around the world.
MyHeritage: Another commercial website that offers family tree building tools, historical records, and DNA testing.
National Archives: The website of the National Archives and Records Administration provides access to digitized historical documents, including military service records, immigration records, and more.
Google Scholar: Use Google Scholar to search for academic articles, books, and other publications related to family history and genealogy.

Preserving Your Genealogical Heritage

Once you've gathered information about your ancestors, it's equally important to preserve your findings for future generations. Here are some tips:

Create a Family Tree: Use a family tree software or website to organize your research and create a visual representation of your family lineage.
Write Family Histories: Compile the stories and anecdotes you've uncovered into written narratives that capture the lives of your ancestors.
Digitize Documents and Photos: Scan and store important historical documents, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and family photos, to preserve them for the future.
Share Your Findings: Connect with other family members and researchers to share information and collaborate on your family history.

Tracing your ancestors can be a rewarding and enlightening experience. As you delve into the past, you'll discover the rich tapestry of your family heritage and make connections that span generations. Remember, genealogy is an ongoing journey, and with perseverance and the resources mentioned in this guide, you'll uncover the fascinating stories that shape your family's history.

A Large Extended Family Gathered Around A Family Tree, Smiling And Laughing. Tracing Your Family History On The Internet: A Guide For Family Historians (Tracing Your Ancestors)