Genealogy: Choose a record or source of information

Once you know what information you're looking for, ask yourself where you might find it. Then choose one source or record to on which to focus your research. For example, if I had the objective of finding the birth date of an ancestor, I would ask these questions: "What type of records could I find a birth date in? Where are these records kept? How do I get access to the records?" And so forth. I then record all questions, thoughts, and findings in my research log.

The types of records you will search include the following:

Compiled records

These are records of previous research on individuals and families already done by others, such as family histories, biographies, or genealogies with pedigree charts and family group records. It is best to search compiled records first. You can save a lot of time by seeing what information others have already found about your family. Though compiled records are very helpful, some information may be inaccurate or incomplete. Compiled records can usually be searched quickly and easily. Compiled records include:

Genealogies

Biographies

Genealogical periodicals and indexes

Source Index

Family newsletters

Local histories

Original records

These are records created at the time of important events in your ancestors' lives. For example, a local church or the local government may have recorded your ancestors' births, christenings, marriages, and burials. Original records include:

Vital records and civil registration

Church records

Cemetery records

Census records

Probate records

Military records

Immigration records

Other original documents include court, land, naturalization, taxation, business, medical and school records. Be sure to check all jurisdictions (for example, town, county, state and country) that may have kept records about your ancestor.

Background information

These are records dealing with geographical, historical or cultural information. They include local histories, maps, gazetteers, language dictionaries and guidebooks. Search these records to learn more about the area where your ancestors lived and the events that may have affected their lives and the records about them.

Finding aids

These help you find the location of records, name indexes, library catalogs or websites.

Barry J. Ewell is author of "Family Treasures: 15 Lessons, Tips, and Tricks for Discovering your Family History" and founder of MyGenShare.com, an online educational website for genealogy and family history.