Robert's tips for getting started

Some of these tips are ones that I wish I had gotten started with earlier. Others are due to the offerings on the World Wide Web.

1. Talk to all living ancestors to document what they know. Sketch a family tree on paper to keep track of the names you'll find. Then you can record the facts using a genealogy program, such as Brother's Keeper

   Use maiden names for females. If you don't know the maiden name, don't use the married name in its place -- that will only trick you into thinking you've got it. Use underscores instead, _____.

   Also, use European style dates, e.g. 8 Sep 1956. The jumble of numbers and out-of-order American style can be confusing.

   The more difficult aspect of talking with living ancestors/relatives is recording their stories about their childhood. Things they remember about your ancestors who are no longer alive are especially valuable. It may make you uncomfortable, but saving interview on tape (sound or video) will be a great thing to have a few years down the road. Ask them about their parents and grandparents specifically.

2. Ask family members to help to locate any old photographs. Talk to any relatives to try to identify the people in the pictures. Write names on the back of each photo, use sticky notes, or make an index somehow.

   You may even want to make copies at camera stores of some photos to share with your siblings or cousins. That way as the family spreads out, some of its history can go with it.

3. Visit www.usgenweb.net and locate the state and counties where your ancestors lived. These pages generally will inform you as to what buildings you can visit to collect Census data and other information. You can also register your name and e-mail with Surname registries so that other people can contact you.
   
   
4. Visit http://rsl.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/rslsql.cgi where there is a nationwide surname registry. Follow their instructions for submitting a list of your surnames of interest. You can also look for other people likely to be researching in the same big branch of your family tree. Send likely people an e-mail asking if they know anything about your oldest ancestor with a particular name.