| What is a Family Tree? A family tree is like a | | | | those that simply track dates of births, marriages, |
| pedigree for human beings. It is used to record | | | | and deaths will help you understand your family a |
| the individual's ancestors over a number of | | | | bit better--and may lead to fascinating stories as |
| generations. Family trees can be very simple, | | | | well. After all, isn't that what you're interested in? |
| recording only immediate ancestors. They may | | | | Facts and dates are wonderful, but understanding |
| also be very elaborate, recording siblings and | | | | why Aunt Martha was the "Marietta Belle" is |
| intermarriages, resulting in a far more detailed | | | | probably worth a hundred of those things. |
| version of the individual's history. An individual | | | | Once you have those things in hand, start |
| might choose to pursue his or her own edification, | | | | searching databases for more information. Census |
| or it may be pursued to answer medical questions | | | | records can provide a good idea of people's |
| or other questions the individual may have | | | | movements during life, while obituaries and special |
| pertaining to his or her family history. A family | | | | death indices can help you track your ancestors |
| tree is also known as a "genealogical tree." | | | | after they have died. Not all of these data bases |
| What is Geneaology? Geneaology is the study of | | | | and indices are free of charge, but most are |
| the family tree(s) of a family or of families. | | | | reasonably priced. Don't be afraid to pay for |
| Although most people seem to concentrate on | | | | information. Most of the best sources do charge |
| their own family tree, there are some people who | | | | for their information and you will get your |
| simply enjoy creating genealogical records. | | | | money's worth if you pay. |
| Genealogy research is becoming an increasingly | | | | Unlike the past, in which it was necessary to |
| popular hobby, with online search sites and | | | | engage in extensive library research, letter-writing |
| "how-to" information springing up all over the | | | | campaigns, or travel to find results, all the |
| Internet. | | | | amateur genealogist need do is log onto the |
| How do I get Started in Genealogy Research? | | | | Internet and start searching data bases. As you |
| Organizations of interest to genealogy hobbyist | | | | proceed with your research, be certain to |
| are easy to find. Some only require a simple | | | | carefully record your results in a family tree chart, |
| search through the yellow pages of your phone | | | | either over the Internet or by hand on a paper |
| book. If it is not possible to find one there, then | | | | chart. No matter which method you choose, |
| Internet organizations are a simple keystroke | | | | make certain to keep a backup of your work. If |
| away. It is not necessary to join an organization; | | | | you prefer to record things by hand, then make |
| however, having other contacts may make it | | | | certain you keep a record of whatever shorthand |
| easier and less expensive if you have people can | | | | you may use and whatever sources that you |
| help you in your research. | | | | used to find your material. Once you get started, |
| Begin by interviewing any living relatives that you | | | | it won't be long before you have a fascinating |
| have, who might be able to provide you with | | | | insight on your family that your family can consult |
| names and photographs of people over several | | | | for generations to come. |
| generations. Doing complete interviews instead of | | | | |