Where do I start?

I have conducted research for dozens of families, both my own, my husband’s, and clients’ families. But some of the people I talk to want to do the research themselves, they are just overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. Here is my advice:

1. Talk to your living elders. Get their stories and information on the family.
2. Write down everything you know, even if it’s unsure.
3. Start with yourself or your parents and work backwards in time. Do not jump ahead.
4. Once you have a basic tree established, determine what you want to know. Was there a story or military service? Or a rumor of a scandal? Start with that as your first objective.

Once you have an objective, start with basic research. Census records put individuals in a specific place and time. Church records and newspapers will start to build a community and traditions. And that is just the beginning.

I am also offering a 2-hour session to review what information you have already and make recommendations. Email me for more information!