Where Do I Start Finding My Family History?

In genealogy, you start with yourself and work backward proving the connection between every generation with source documentation. These sources are the life and breath of true genealogical research that prove or disprove your blood line between yourself and your parents, grandparents, etc.

At some point, you will need to spend some money but you may be able to accomplish your own personal research at least until your grandparents came to America, depending upon availability of records. However, don’t forget that you have 2 sets of grandparents, 4 sets of great grandparents, 8 sets of great, great grandparents and with every generation you go back in time the number doubles.

When you discover the depth of relationships and accounting for each direct ancestor and if you do not have access to genealogical records or repositories, then wisdom says, “Hire a genealogist who knows what they are doing.” Professional Genealogists are attuned and through experience know where to find your ancestral records.

You need to have gathered all the information you can about your grandparent after they arrived in theUSand the families they have had since their arrival, before you attempt to accomplish genealogy from across the Atlantic.

This information should be input onto a Pedigree Chart complete with “birth, marriage, death, burial and death DATE and PLACE where each of these events occurred. It is also best to take a few classes in how genealogy is researched.

Some public libraries offer classes. The Family History Center in Salt Lake City, Utah is very helpful and may offer classes in your area or you can also contact the Historical or Genealogical society in your local area. Most are very helpful.

Until you know where your Grandparents lived across theAtlanticand an in-depth genealogical research with source documentation has been accomplished by a paid professional genealogist or yourself, there is no reason to attempt a trip.

Genealogical libraries are not like what you see on the TV show “Who Do You Think You Are” it takes a lot more planning and research than that which is shown in the 40 minute show.  If you are interested in getting started on finding your own ancestors, contact us for a free consultation today.  We look forward to hearing from you!

September 22, 2011