| A fabulous idea for your next family reunion is to | | | | online sources that you can further explore that |
| put together your family tree. Discovering your | | | | allow for free access to family history records, |
| family tree-doing genealogy or family history | | | | guides, and resources. One example is MyHeritage. |
| research-can be an exciting experience. Many | | | | By searching through databases that are diverse |
| people just like you have discovered who their | | | | in nature, free genealogy search engines help you |
| ancestors are. You too can gain new insights into | | | | obtain a lot of data about your ancestors and |
| your family and feel a sense of belonging, perhaps | | | | family. Combine data from various sources for a |
| in a way you have never felt before. | | | | more comprehensive picture. |
| There are several steps one should take when | | | | You can easily do the bulk of your genealogy |
| attempting to discover their family tree. | | | | research using free genealogy databases. Some |
| 1. Write down what you know. | | | | websites will describe the methods of research as |
| Start with yourself. Grab a notebook or create a | | | | well as provide detailed sources on microfilms and |
| database format, and enter the family history | | | | papers; others may focus on searchable |
| information you already know. You are entering | | | | genealogy databases and online tools. |
| information as to relative's names, birthdates, | | | | Some websites are free, while others require a |
| death dates, etc. If you do not know exact dates | | | | fee. Those requiring a fee will typically offer a |
| and places, estimate them. Take note of any | | | | free trial subscription, and often times you'll be |
| missing or incomplete information, and decide | | | | able to find what you are looking for even before |
| what you want to find first. | | | | the trial expires. |
| 2. Talk with your family and friends. | | | | 4. Compile your research and share! |
| Get together with your family and friends and | | | | Put together a book and have several copies |
| record any useful information and stories they | | | | printed, as friends and relatives will certainly have |
| provide. This not only allows you to work on your | | | | an interest in your research. There are companies |
| project, but can also be a fascinating, exciting and | | | | that offer software products to help you do this. |
| fun experience at the same time. What a good | | | | What a great idea or gift that you can share at |
| "excuse" to get together with loved ones. | | | | your next family reunion! |
| In addition to reminiscing, be sure to inquire if they | | | | While researching and formalizing your family tree |
| have any copies of birth, marriage, and death | | | | can take a good deal of time and effort, it can |
| certificates as well as newspaper clippings, diaries, | | | | also be a very rewarding and fun experience as |
| journals, letters, photos, yearbooks and other | | | | well. Take your time and enjoy the experience |
| records that might be available. | | | | and be sure to preserve it, share it, and pass it |
| 3. Search other sources. | | | | along so that future generations of your family |
| Gather your research hat you have accumulated | | | | can appreciate and enjoy their family history as |
| thus far and organize it. Next, there are many | | | | well. |