Baldwin
County Genealogical Society
getting started on your family history
A guide for beginners to get started on your family history - six steps.
- 1. Begin by identifying what you know about the members of your family.
- Obtain a "Pedigree Chart" and list what you already know on the chart.
- Write all "surnames" in Caps as {JONES, Emily Diane} This enables you to scan the record easier.
- List all "dates" consistently as {27 September 1937} not 9/27/1938.
- Write all "places" as {City, Township/County, State, Country} Chula Vista, San Diego, California, USA
- Organize all the information you find.
- 2. Decide what you'd like to learn. {Most charts will ask the following questions}.
- Born ?
- Where ?
- Married ?
- Where ?
- Divorced ?
- Where?
- Died ?
- Where ?
- 3. Decide what and which records to search. {Generally you'll find two types}.
- Original Records: Records which were created at or near the time of the event; ie - census, birth, marriage or death.
- Compiled Records: Records
which were completed by others; ie - Bible/Book records,
Computer, Microfilm or Microfiche.
* Search for compiled records first; then original records. You could be surprised by the research completed on your family lines.
** Remember - finding information on records does not mean there are no errors.
- 4. Procure and search the records.
- Check all the libraries in
your local area for genealogical materials.
*What ever your source, search the records, check time periods, check spelling of names and places.
** Make detailed notes on all your findings.
- 5.Evaluate the information you have found.
- Is your information complete?
- Is the information what you are looking for?
- Does the information you found - conflict with other information you have?
- 6.Complete "Family Group Records"
- For yourself as a child; with your parents, brothers and sisters.
- For yourself as a parent,
with your spouse and children.
** If there is more than one marriage; you must fill out another record.
Genealogy:
A study of family and identification of ancestors and their pertinent information (birth, death, marriage etc.).
Also Known As: Family history, family search, ancestor search, family tree, lineage, personal ancestry, redeeming the dead.
Genealogist:
One who pursues the science or study of family descent or ancestry. You do not have to be certified or trained to be a genealogist.
Professional genealogist:
One who compiles family histories and genealogies for clients for a fee.
Certified genealogist:
One who has passed a test administered by a certifying organization, and subscribes to a code of ethics.
Cyndi's list for beginners
Genealogy dictionary
