The Essential Genealogy 2.0 Journey:

Guide for Beginners

The journey into genealogy is a voyage into the past—a way to connect dots across time, geography, and culture. While the path is strewn with the excitement of discovery, it can also be labyrinthine for those who are just getting started. Here, we present a simplified five-step guide aimed to help novice genealogists set sail.

The pursuit of family history isn't just about collecting names and dates; it's also about preserving stories that would otherwise vanish in the sands of time. A family historian is akin to a time-traveling detective, piecing together the fragments of a bygone world through a narrative lens.

Below is a five-step guide that aims to navigate beginners through the fulfilling journey of ancestral storytelling.

Step One: Identify what you know already

1. Collect Basic Family Information

  • What to Do: Begin with what you know. Gather names, birth and death dates, and places of residence for immediate family members.
  • Why It's Important: This foundational information acts as your starting point, from which you'll expand into broader branches of your family tree.
  • Tools and Resources: Use family interviews, old letters, and official documents. A basic spreadsheet or a dedicated genealogy software can help you organize this information.

Step Two: Define clear objectives

2. Determine Research Goals

  • What to Do: Identify specific objectives for your research. Are you interested in tracing a particular lineage, discovering military ancestors, or solving a family mystery?
  • Why It's Important: A focused research question helps guide your investigation, making it more manageable and goal-oriented.
  • Tools and Resources: Genealogy goal-setting templates and tutorials can help you define clear objectives.

Step Three: Understand Sources

3. Prioritize Sources and Data

  • What to Do: Classify your data into primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are direct evidence like birth certificates, while secondary sources are interpretative, like family histories.
  • Why It's Important: Understanding the hierarchy of sources will enable you to evaluate the quality and reliability of your data.
  • Tools and Resources: Libraries, online databases, and local archives are good places to find source material. Tutorials on source classification can enhance your critical skills.

Step Four: Build your plan

4. Create a Systematic Research Plan

  • What to Do: Develop a plan of attack. Outline the steps you'll take, the resources you'll use, and the timeline you'll follow.
  • Why It's Important: A systematic approach ensures that you cover all bases and allows you to manage your time effectively.
  • Tools and Resources: Research logs, project management software tailored for genealogy, and even simple calendars can keep you on track.

Step Five: Document your Research

5. Document and Share Findings

  • What to Do: Maintain meticulous records of your discoveries. Use proper citation formats and make digital copies whenever possible.
  • Why It's Important: Well-documented research is easier to share, verify, and build upon in the future.
  • Tools and Resources: Family tree software usually has built-in documentation features. Platforms like FindMyPast allow you to share your findings with other researchers.

Essential Genealogy 2.0 Journey

Select a category

Essential Genealogy 2.0 Membership

Join now for access to everything!

Become a member