What Are Genealogy Resources?
Typically, historical documents and records are good sources of information when tracking genealogical roots. Birth, marriage, and death certificates provide a wealth of information about the lives of ancestors, while county records offer a glimpse into where they lived, went to school, and worked. If family members came from abroad, boat passenger lists and other immigration documents are a rich resource. Military records are also worth checking out in the event that an ancestor served at any point during his lifetime. Researchers who are able to narrow down a branch of their family tree to a specific region can look for state-specific books and historical records. For instance, ancestors who hail from Scotland may be mentioned in family clan documents.
How Do You Start Creating a Family Tree?
The first step in growing a family tree is conducting research to fill in the first few branches. Start with immediate family, then work your way back to the upper levels. Interview family members or close family friends, and look through county records to build a rough timeline of events, such as births and deaths. Try to focus on one individual at a time and discover as much as possible before moving onto the next twig. Next, decide which type of family tree is ideal for your family story. Basic family trees simply outline the names of ancestors, while more interactive trees may tell the backstory of each member with the help of genealogy software. There are also more tactile and creative options, like creating a family tree scrapbook that features photos and even personal items that belonged to the individual. Genealogists in training can find a wealth of informative resources and family tree supplies on eBay.