Research your family tree
Unless you are a monarch, president, or other dignitary,
searching for your ancestors and constructing a family tree for the
generations that follow you will very likely depend on you. Since
Alex Haley’s story,
”
Roots,
”
made its television debut in 1977, virtually millions of
Americans have done just that. How do people go about tracing their
own roots?
Research your family tree
Unless you are a monarch, president, or other dignitary, searching for your ancestors and constructing a family tree for the generations that follow you will very likely depend on you. Since Alex Haley’s story, “Roots,” made its television debut in 1977, virtually millions of Americans have done just that. How do people go about tracing their own roots?
Beginners must concentrate on gathering facts that will build as the backbone of all family research. Look for names, dates, places, and relationships. The best place to start looking for information is at home. Check your family Bible, any certificates and newspaper clippings, vital records (birth, marriage, death), and scrapbooks that you possess. Include legal papers, military records, and citizenship and naturalization papers. Perhaps your family possesses a diary or journal belonging to a forgotten forbear. All these pieces help begin a research project.
Contact your family members. More often than not, someone in the family has been involved in genealogical research and may be able to provide you with a sizable start. Make personal visits, write letters and place phone calls. Tap into the online sources, too. Many people are making connections through Web sites today and exchanging information. Make notes as you visit and interview relatives. Consider taping their answers on a cassette recorder and you’ll have made an oral history. Do not forget to ask about relationships because the senior members of your family may be the only ones who still possess this information. Locate “collateral” relatives (cousins) to help you put your facts together. And, advertising your genealogical interests in family history journals is an ideal way to meet those who are working on the same names you are. You can find such magazines in public libraries.
Genealogy is America’s most popular indoor hobby and the interest keeps growing. Local classes, seminars and field trips to the famous Salt Lake City Family History Library abound to those with such interests. Be a part of the adventure. From meager beginnings, you are well on your way to what will be the start of a thrilling and fascinating past – your own.
Annette Lutnesky Perry, MLS, owner of Le Librarian, has taught and lectured on genealogical research in California since 1979. For information about the editorial, reference services and scholarship searching services at Le Librarian, call 636-5302, or visit www.le-librarian.vpweb.com.
