Discover how to trace your family’s history.
Embarking on a family tree project is like opening a captivating history book filled with stories just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re driven by a desire to learn about your roots or simply curious about your ancestors, tracing your family’s history can be a rewarding and enlightening undertaking.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to start your own family tree project, from the initial research to building a comprehensive family tree that preserves your family’s names and memories for generations to come.
Tips include:
- Begin with the present day
- Interview relatives
- Use online resources
- Visit local archives and libraries
- Unleash your inner detective
- Join a genealogy society
- Share and preserve your findings
Let’s learn more about how to start your own family tree project!
Begin with the present day
The journey into your family’s history begins with the information you already have. Start by gathering details about your immediate family, such as names, birthdates, and places of birth. Birth certificates and similar documents are some of the best sources of this information, so ask your family members to send you pertinent information like birth date and location from any records they have for themselves or other relatives. Compile this information in an organized manner, either on paper or using digital tools (e.g., scanning and uploading photos).
Interview relatives
Talking to relatives can be a treasure trove of information. They may share stories, anecdotes, and memories about your ancestors that aren’t recorded elsewhere. Prepare a list of questions and conduct interviews with your relatives to collect as much information as possible. It’s helpful to record these interviews so you can have a record of what they’ve said in their own words.
If you’re separated by distance and you, or your interviewee, have hearing loss, CapTel captioned telephones can make it easier to follow the conversation.
Use online resources
Genealogy websites like FamilySearch.org, Ancestry.com, and MyHeritage provide access to extensive databases, historical records, and family trees created by other genealogists. Some of these websites even have optional DNA testing tools so you can use the power of science to learn even more about your genetics and connect with more distant relatives! Online platforms like these also allow you to keep your data organized and maintain a structured record of your research, which is crucial as your family tree project grows more detailed.
Visit local archives and libraries
While it might be hard to imagine in the age of Google, there’s still a lot of information that isn’t on the internet! If you hit a point where you’re struggling to make progress online, turn to local archives and libraries, which can be a goldmine of records and documents. Marriage records, old newspapers, and digitized census records can contain valuable details about your ancestors. Be sure to check for resources, like a local historical society, in your hometown and in the regions where your family has lived or originated.
Unleash your inner detective
As you delve deeper into your family tree project, remain thorough and critical. Do your best to cross-reference your findings, verify sources, and question discrepancies. Genealogical research often involves detective work, and a keen eye for detail is essential. You may encounter roadblocks and dead ends, but perseverance is key to uncovering the stories of your ancestors.
Join a genealogy society
Genealogy societies and clubs exist for historical enthusiasts and researchers. Joining these groups can provide access to expert knowledge and additional resources. They may organize events, workshops, and seminars where you can learn more about genealogical research and get help from more experienced people. Try searching the internet for “genealogy society in [your town/state/country]” to connect with a group near you. Depending on how thorough you want to be, you could try hiring a professional genealogist who can provide further guidance.
Share and preserve your findings
The beauty of a family tree project lies in its ability to connect generations, so be sure to share your discoveries with your family and collaborate together. By sharing your family’s history, you ensure that the stories and legacies of your ancestors live on. Invest in preserving your research by creating a physical or digital family tree that can be passed down to future generations. Try creating your family tree in the form of a digital book that can be printed so each branch of the family can have a physical copy!
Remember that genealogical research is a lifelong journey because new history is being written every day. With each discovery in your family tree project, you’ll connect with the generations that came before you and learn more about yourself, too.
Learn more about how CapTel telephones can help you connect with your family and hear their stories!
