How Do I Get Started With Family Research (Part 2 of 2)

As you learned in Part 1 of this series about getting started, family history research goes beyond listing relatives or creating family trees. It involves piecing together documents, stories, photos, and even DNA results to understand who your ancestors were. Genealogy—the study of family lineage—is one part of it. But it also includes exploring personal stories, cultural traditions, and historical contexts that shaped your family’s journey.

You’re not just identifying names; you’re discovering lives. That being said, choosing the relative you know the most about it is a great place to start. This might be you, a parent, or a grandparent – document their birth date, death date (if applicable), along with other details like who they married and/or any thing you might know about their children.

Popular Genealogy Websites

Genealogy websites are a treasure trove. Here are some of the top platforms to explore:

• Ancestry.com: Access billions of records, family trees, and DNA connections.
• FamilySearch.org: A free database with records from all over the world.
• MyHeritage: Known for its historical records and DNA testing options.
• FindAGrave: Assists you in locating your ancestors final resting places.

Each platform offers unique features, so try multiple ones to find the best match for your needs. As we mentioned in Part One, many require accounts, but offer a free option and they are well worth it.

Social Media and Online Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of social media. Facebook groups, forums, and Reddit communities dedicated to genealogy can provide guidance and support. Members often share tips, resources, and even rare records you may not know about; Genealogy Explained has recently become one of my favorite.

You can also network with distant relatives. Who knows? They may have pieces of the puzzle that you’re missing.

Using DNA Testing for Ancestry Research

DNA testing has added a whole new dimension to family history. Services like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage DNA can reveal ethnic origins and connect you to relatives worldwide.

However, it’s important to prepare for unexpected results. Be open to surprises as DNA testing sometimes uncovers unknown relatives or family secrets. We haven’t ventured into using this tool yet, but often research the pros and cons as we continue to wonder more and more about our family.

Overcoming Challenges in Family History Research

Researching family history isn’t always smooth sailing. Here’s how to handle common problems.

Dealing with Brick Walls

At some point, you’ll hit a dead end. A record might not exist, or a relative’s information could contradict others. When this happens, broaden your search. Look for alternate spellings, neighboring locations, or less obvious sources like newspapers or military records. We were recently introduced to using the FAN club strategy – Friends, Acquaintances, and Neighbors.

Patience is key. Sometimes answers take time to uncover.

Cultural and Legal Considerations

Be mindful of sensitive topics in your family’s history. Certain cultural or historical events—wars, migrations, or legal issues—might affect your research. Approach these stories with care and respect.

Understanding cultural customs or naming practices can also help you interpret records more accurately.

Preserving and Sharing Your Family History

Once you’ve collected all this information, what should you do with it? Preserving your work is the final and most rewarding step. A personal goal we set for 2025 is to develop a variety of remembrances that we can easily display or share with our extended family.

Creating Family History Books or Websites

Consider compiling your research into a book or creating a family history website. Both options allow you to preserve stories in a way that’s easy to share. Include photos, documents, and anything else that brings the past to life.

Digital formats ensure your research is protected for future generations. Plus, they’re easier to update as you uncover new details.

Engaging Family and Future Generations

Family history is most powerful when it’s shared. Organize family gatherings where you can present your findings. Create keepsakes like photo albums or personalized family trees for relatives.

Make it fun for kids! Show them old photos, talk about their great-grandparents, or take them to visit ancestral towns. When younger generations feel involved, they’re more likely to carry on your work.

As We Wrap It Up

Starting your family history research is like opening a door to the past. You’ll discover new connections, gain insight into your roots, and preserve a legacy for future generations. It’s a journey full of curiosity, surprises, and pride.

Now it’s your turn. Begin with what you know, use the tools at your fingertips, and tell your family’s story. It’s time to bring the past into the present and share it with the future.

Feel free to comment below with topics or tools you would like us to dive deeper into or a specific challenge you are having with your own research that we might be able to assist with on your family history journey.

Our Challenge to You

We want to challenge you today to pull out a piece of paper or open a new document and choose the one person you want to start learning more about from a family history perspective. Write their name (include maiden name, if applicable), significant dates (birth, marriage, death), where they lived, and anything else you know about them. Next, write down what you would like to know about them and any ideas of how you could research that information. If you are open to considering, share where your struggles and/or questions are and use the comment form to share them. We can respond privately, publicly or both; by including your email (which we require but don’t publish) we can share ideas and strategies with you.