Most people have more information than they realize.
Organizing this information will make researching your family history a lot easier.
- Draw a brief pedigree of your family. You can download a basic pedigree chart here
- Talk to family members The greatest source of information is family members. Visit them and talk to them about their family. Take a note book and perhaps a tape recorder. Let them know the purpose of your visit. Call as soon as you can. Memories fade with time. Take your pedigree chart with you.
- Collect all the information you can. Obtain photocopies of certificates from family members, photos, letters and family bibles. Keep an address book of all relatives present, past and gone. Old addresses often bring back memories and also may give you a clue where to start searching. Importantly, write down what you remember about your relatives.
- Useful equipment If you have a computer, use a family history program to keep information in. Have files, file dividers, paper and pens to hand.
- A place to keep all these safe; for example a portable steel case. Never take original documents with you when out researching. Just take photocopies.
You can use the link buttons below to reach a variety of genealogy and information Websites
