Step 1: Assemble All Available Documents and Resources

The first step in any successful genealogical research project is to gather all available documents and resources related to your family history. This includes birth and death certificates, marriage records, immigration documents, census records, wills, letters, old photographs, and family bibles. Also locate any existing family trees, both older paper versions and any online trees that might exist on sites such as Ancestry or in a computer software program such as RootsMagic.

Contact other family members to determine what information they have. Don’t limit your inquiries to immediate relatives; reach out to extended family members as well. In particular, reaching out to the oldest members of your family can be useful as they might have first-hand information you’re not aware of. Every detail, no matter how small, can be a valuable clue in your research.

Pro tip: Official documents and existing trees are the most common resources you might find, but be sure to think beyond the obvious. For example, an early 1900s letter from my great-great-grandmother in Sweden to her daughter in Chicago provided essential clues I couldn’t find elsewhere. And one of my students was able to break through a problematic genealogy brick wall using information she found in an old family bible. 

Step 2: Create or Update Your Family Tree

Building a comprehensive family tree is the backbone of successful genealogy. With the plethora of online platforms and genealogical software available today, creating and updating your family tree has never been easier. Choose a platform that suits your preferences and allows you to input and organize information efficiently.

A family tree serves as the backbone of your genealogy research. Decide on a platform to create and maintain your family tree. There are several options available, including online platforms like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, or offline software like Family Tree Maker or RootsMagic. Choose one that suits your needs and preferences. As you begin adding information, organize it in a clear and logical manner, starting with yourself and working backward in time.

Again, analyzing the pros and cons of every possibility for creating a family tree is beyond the scope of this post. But if you’re not sure where to start, one of my favorite places to create a tree is on Ancestry.com. It’s easy to use and Ancestry offers a large variety of resources to help with your research plus provides hints as to who your ancestors might be (tip: always verify every hint yourself!).

Tip 3: Consider the Possibilities DNA Testing Provides

In recent years, DNA testing has revolutionized the field of genealogy, providing unprecedented insights into family connections and ancestral origins. A DNA test can provide you with estimated ethnicity percentages, a list of DNA matches (people you’re related to, both close and distant), and optional health insights. Using this information, you can:

• Use DNA analysis tools to help you break through brick walls, discovering ancestors you couldn’t find using traditional research methods
• Locate and potentially meet distant cousins around the world
• Discover the identity of birth parents
• Uncover clues about your ancient ancestry (Were your ancestors Vikings? Do you have ties to Stonehenge?)

As a professionally trained and experienced genetic and forensic genealogist you can probably guess that I highly recommend incorporating DNA testing into your research strategy! It will take you far beyond what traditional documentary evidence can provide.

The question is: where to test? Testing options include Ancestry DNA, MyHeritage DNA,, FamilyTreeDNA, Living DNA, and 23andMe. My post Choosing the Best DNA Test for Your Needs covers this topic in more depth. Ancestry has the largest database of users so it makes the most sense for the majority of people. MyHeritage has the largest user base in Europe, however, so if your ancestors are primarily in Europe then that test might make sense.

Pro tip: If you take an Ancestry DNA test, you can also upload your results to MyHeritage, FTDNA, Living DNA, and GEDMatch. But the reverse isn’t true. Something to keep in mind if you want to look for matches on multiple sites. Also, the only way to get DNA results on 23andMe is to take their test. They don’t upload any other tests. 

Let’s delve into a real-life example. My dad’s side of the family has been living in the US for generations (early arrivals in the 1620s). My mom’s side of the family consists entirely of recent European immigrants. So I took an Ancestry DNA test and also uploaded my DNA to MyHeritage and other sites. Eventually, I also took a test at 23andMe just to cover all bases. 

Getting Started with Genealogy: Conclusion

Embarking on a journey into your family history is a rewarding and enlightening experience. By following these three basic steps you’ll set yourself on a path to success.

Remember, genealogy is a meticulous process that requires patience and perseverance. Embrace the thrill of discovery, learn from the stories of your ancestors, and celebrate the unique heritage that makes you who you are. Happy researching!

The post Getting Started with Genealogy: 3 Steps for Success appeared first on Family History Navigator.

Note: This is a question a student recently asked in one of my intro to genealogy classes. I provided a brief explanation in class but then decided this needed a more detailed answer because I believe it’s an important topic not many people think about.

Genealogy: The Art of Lineage Tracing

Genealogy is the study and tracing of lineages and pedigrees. It’s the discipline that focuses on identifying and documenting your direct ancestors, usually presented in the form of a family tree. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines genealogy as “an account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or from older forms.” Or more simply as “the study of family ancestral lines.”

Genealogy delves into records such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and census records, meticulously piecing together the puzzle of one’s direct ancestors. Analyzing DNA to search for scientific evidence that supports the documents you find is also a piece of the puzzle.

Family History: Beyond Names and Dates

While genealogy forms the foundation, family history extends beyond names and dates, delving into the broader context of individuals’ lives. Family history encompasses the stories and traditions that shape a family’s identity. Essentially, it’s what makes the names and dates on your family tree actually come alive! It encompasses real stories of real people: triumphs, struggles, migrations, and cultural traditions that collectively represent your family’s journey through time.

Practical Tips for Combining Genealogy and Family History

Understanding the distinction between genealogy and family history is the first step towards achieving a complete view of your family’s past. Here are some practical tips for infusing hard facts with real stories.

Tip #1: Start with Genealogical Research

Begin your journey by establishing a detailed family tree through genealogical research. Utilize reputable genealogy websites, historical records, and DNA testing services to trace direct ancestral connections. Without a solid foundation and accurate tree there are no ancestors whose stories you can tell!

Tip #2: Collect Oral Histories for Family History

Interview older family members to gather oral histories, anecdotes, and personal stories. Document the lived experiences that go beyond the names and dates on your family tree.

Tip #3: Search for Heirlooms and Keepsakes That Tell a Story

Every family has physical items of sentimental value. Protect, photograph, and tell the story of yours. Understand the significance of these items in shaping your family’s identity. For example, two items that are particularly precious to me are a 100-year-old cookbook that my great-grandmother used to prepare family meals and a vase that traveled all the way from Europe to the US in the early 1900s. And yes, both are currently in my home!

Tip #4: Understand and Incorporate History

Learning the history of the times when your ancestors lived can further enhance your story. What was it really like to live in that place at that time? What was going on in the world? What did people wear and eat? How did they dress? Understand the historical context that influenced your ancestors’ decisions and shaped their experiences. Yes, research time!

Tip #5: Share!

Digital tools make it easier than ever to organize and share both genealogical and family historical information. Create a family website or blog (public or private) to serve as a centralized hub for sharing stories, photos, and documents. Or consider creating a family history book, family photo book, or family cookbook that you can print and share with your extended family.

Genealogy vs. Family History: Documenting Your Heritage

When presenting the story of your ancestors, genealogy lays the groundwork, and family history brings it to life. By embracing both disciplines, you can embark on a journey that goes beyond dates and names, capturing the essence of who you are and where you come from.

Now to you: Which of these five ideas are you most interested in pursuing?

The post Genealogy vs. Family History: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Family History Navigator.