Contents
Genealogy Basics
First Steps in Genealogy
Genealogical Record Keeping
Gather Information from Relatives
Genealogical Records
How to Tell Your Genealogical Story
How to Take Your Genealogical Search Further
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- Gather and organize key information about yourself and living relatives
- Hunt down your ancestors’ legal documents, photos, and personal effects
- Tell the story of your family’s history and take your search to the next level
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Genealogy Basics
Genealogy is the study of ancestors and family pedigrees. The process of studying genealogy involves collecting and piecing together evidence, such as old records that show when and where your ancestors lived, pictures that offer glimpses into your ancestors’ lives, and newspaper clippings and letters that put those lives into context.
A recent survey named genealogy the second most popular hobby in America, with about 15 million people hitting the internet each year in pursuit of their ancestral roots. Genealogy is an ongoing pastime that you can practice whenever you have the time, no matter what your lifestyle.
Why Practice Genealogy?
People pursue genealogy for a variety of reasons. You may want to practice genealogy simply to better understand those who came before you and, consequently, yourself. Or you might have a specific goal, such as to:
- Locate a particular relative or ancestor
- Reconstruct your family tree
- Get a better grasp on your ethnic heritage, culture, and/or religion
- Develop an accurate medical history of your family in order to make informed decisions about your health
History of Genealogy
The popularity of genealogy has exploded in recent years thanks to the introduction of the internet and other technologies that facilitate research. But genealogy is hardly new: for thousands of years people throughout the world have sought out their family histories.
Genealogy in America
During the early 1800s, Americans began to show interest in their ancestors as they tried to determine whether they were related to the Pilgrims or other early settlers. In 1845, to aid in this research, a group of merchants and book dealers started the New England Historical and Genealogical Society (NEHGS), which began gathering books and records for the purpose of genealogical research. NEHGS was the first genealogical society in America. It still exists and can be found online at www.newenglandancestors.org.
Hundreds of similar societies and organizations have emerged since NEHGS was founded. Today, genealogists have access to billions of pieces of data in libraries and online. It has never been easier to find answers to your own genealogical questions.
Genealogy vs. Family History
The terms genealogy and family history are often used interchangeably, but the two terms actually have subtle distinctions. For practical purposes, this guide uses the term genealogy exclusively.
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