Are you curious about your family’s past? Find out here how to research ancestry and find out more about your family history.
Have you ever wondered about your family’s ancestry?
Maybe you have friends who frequently celebrate their heritage, and you wish your family could do the same? Maybe you want to know if you’re Scottish or English? Or, maybe it’s just pure curiosity?
Whatever the reason is, learning your family history is something can that be fun, and it can make you feel more connected to a culture and help you understand more about yourself.
So, how do you do it?
Read on to learn 5 different tips on how to find out on how to research ancestry.
1. Start a Family Tree
Finding out about your family history all starts with talking to your immediate family.
Start making a recording of your family tree, and record the different memories of your parents, aunts and uncles, and grandparents.
Ask each of them about themselves, as well as family members that came before them. You should ask about birthdates, death dates, where people lived, occupations, etc.
You can also ask family members if they have any materials saved that might help you with your search, such as certifications, letters, or books.
2. Check Out the US Census
Every ten years, the US conducts a census gathering basic information about each of its citizens.
Start with the latest census available, which right now is the one from 1940. You can trace grandparents and great-grandparents through this census, making sure to record ages, birthplaces, names, occupations, immigration details, and residences.
Go back as far as you can in the census to gather as much info as possible.
3. Use a Website
We all know the big name in the game for researching our family history is ancestry.com.
This site, like the census, holds records about birthdates, death dates, and marriages. You can also use this site to look up military records, immigration records, and government archives.
However, keep in mind that you can’t do much researching until you sign up for the 14-day trial. Also, remember that even though ancestry.com provides a lot of information, you still have to do the research yourself.
Another option, which just involves using your DNA, is Family Tree DNA. You can check out this family tree dna review to learn more about the pros and cons of this company.
4. Find a Family History Society
Another option to research your family ancestry is to hit the pavement and seek out family historians and genealogists.
There’s also a Facebook group called “Find My Past” where you can post questions for other group members to answer when you need help with your research.
You can also check out local classes about family research and records if you hit any stumbling blocks along the way.
5. Stick to One Family at a Time
While you probably want to know about your mom’s and your dad’s side of the family, it’s best to conduct research on one side of the family at a time.
This will prevent you from getting details mixed up.
Also, when researching one side of the family, break it down even further by only researching one family unit at a time. This will help make your goal of researching your entire family history seem more manageable.
Now That You Know How to Research Ancestry
Now that you know how to research ancestry, it’s time to roll your sleeves up and get started.
Researching family ancestry is a marathon, not a sprint, so take your time and enjoy the process.
Comment below if you have any questions.
