New to genealogy? Utilize these learning tools and resources.
National Genealogical Society: Online and home study courses.
Studerhistory tips page: Research tips and How-to's.
How to cite sources: Recording where you found information.
Work from the known to the unknown
Collect information on current generations first. Start with yourself. Use the Start At Home Checklist. Gather information from family members; parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts. Record the data using genealogy software, or family group sheets. Be complete and consistent in recording data. Don't skip generations. Record your sources accurately and completely.
Collect family documents
Sometimes individuals in a family saved documents that contain clues and valuable information. Ask if anyone has a family bible, personal letters or a diary. And ask about records from a hospital, medical, school, employment or the military.
Obtain copies of vital records
Vital records include documents such as: birth, marriage, death and divorce records. Most U.S. states have maintained modern vital records since the beginning of this century. The "International Vital Records Handbook" and the booklet titled "Where to Write for Vital Records" will provide addresses and other helpful information. Some addresses now online.
Family History Center Libraries
Online resources: FamilySearch.org Family History Center locations FHC information
The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints has microfilmed vital, land, probate, tax and military records as well as state and federal censuses, family and local histories and numerous special collections. Their vast holdings are available in microfilm form through the more than 2000 Family History Centers located throughout the United States.
Library Research
Libraries with major genealogical collections are very useful, particularly once you have taken your ancestors back four generations or more. Such collections include compiled family histories and genealogies, local histories and reference materials which can be extremely helpful in your research. In addition most libraries have unique collections of unpublished materials including such things as Bible Records, surname files, etc.
U.S. Census Bureau
The Census Bureau is the federal government’s largest statistical agency. They collect and provide current facts and figures about America’s people, places, and economy. Federal law protects the confidentiality of all the information the Census Bureau collects. They collect: population and housing census every 10 years. Economic census every 5 years. Census of governments every 5 years. American community survey annually. And numerous other demographic and economic surveys. However, most family researchers are primarily interested in searching for people and households data. To access population, housing, economic and geographic information, search the U.S. Census Bureau's American FactFinder website.
National Archives
United States National Archives is the primary source for U.S. Federal Census Records, Passenger Lists, Military Records, and some Naturalization records. Census records provide valuable information as to: residence, occupation, family members, year and country of birth. Available online: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration and at branch offices. Portions also available at your local history center, or local library. -- Related resource.
Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty - Ellis Island genealogy tips. More than 22 million passengers and members of ships' crews entered the United States through Ellis Island and the Port of New York between 1892 and 1924. Information about each person was written down in ships' passenger lists, known as "manifests." Manifests were used to examine immigrants upon arrival in the United States. Search millions of records for information on individual Ellis Island passengers and more. Look under their Ellis Island TAB > subsections > Learn More & Search Ellis.
Places, Organizations, Agencies and Goverment
When you are really serious about the research, search for these items.
Research links. european -- sites/links -- tips/how-to's -- vital records -- blank forms/charts