Genealogical research begins with memories

One of the most frequently asked questions about genealogical research is, "Where do I begin?"

Paul Nauta, manager of public affairs for FamilySearch, the online

family history search engine and records collection for The Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, suggests researchers start simply

with their own memory. The FamilySearch Web site lists six basic

steps that will make family history research easy for anyone:

• Remember your ancestors. Remembering

  personal information such as names; other members of the family; dates

  and places of important events such as birth, marriage and death;

  ancestral villages; and occupations will help in identifying family

  members. Obtain a pedigree chart and a family group record form — both offered on the site — and fill out as much

  information as you can.

• Use sources in your home. Look for

  birth, marriage and death certificates; family bibles; funeral programs

  and obituaries; wedding announcements; family registers; and ancestral

  tablets to help fill out any missing information on the forms from the

  first step.

• Ask relatives for information. Be

  sure to ask specifically for the information you would like. For

  example, "Do you know when Aunt Jane was born?"

• Choose a family or ancestor you want to learn

  more about. Start with generations closest to you and work

  your way back. It's usually easier to find information for a family

  member born in a recent period.

• See if someone else has already found the

  information. Look for names in "Search for Ancestor" and the

  "Family History Library Catalog Surname Search" — both on the

  site — that have already had histories submitted.

• Search records for information about your

  ancestor using Research Guidance, a resource provided on the Family

  Search Web site.

The site offers many other resources to aid in research, including

personal ancestral files, a search for ancestors, research helps and

links to other family history Web sites.

All the tools on the site were created with "the beginner in mind,"

Nauta said. No training is required to begin family history

research.

For those who do not have Internet access and do not live near the

Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Nauta advises getting in

touch with stake and family history centers, where volunteers can help.