Starting a Family Tree can be a bit overwhelming. Trust me! I researched my father’s side and went all the way back into the late 1700s. So, I know how overwhelming it can be. And let me tell you, it does not get much easier throughout the process. But there are things you can do that will help you get started with your own Family Tree. In this guide, you will find three important things you will need to do in order to start your Family Tree. These three things will help you go a long way. And I hope my advice will help you be as successful as I was.
Find the Family Bible
The very first thing I recommend you do is find the Family Bible. I am sure someone in the family has that Bible because they are usually passed down from generation to generation as an important part of the family. If the Bible was filled out over the years, you will have a lot to get started with. So, first things first, find that Bible. If you can’t find the Bible, don’t worry, it isn’t the end of this road. It will just be more difficult without it.
Talk to Older Relatives or Friends of the Family
The next thing is to talk to older relatives or friends of the family. Older relatives or friends of the family probably knew your great grandma or grandpa. Take a sound recorder or a pen and paper with you to speak with the person. That way you don’t forget anything that was said. Ask about the grandparents and ask them to tell you anything they remember, or was told. Sometimes you wouldn’t believe the stories that are passed down from generation to generation just by word of the mouth. So, you may get some great leads on this alone. If you don’t have any older relatives that you can talk to, it’s ok. Again, it will be a bit tougher, but you can still go on this journey.
Visit Graveyards (I know, creepy, but helpful)
Yes, I know this sounds creepy and maybe even a bit crazy, but I promise you I know what I’m talking about. I researched my family for well over a year and you wouldn’t believe how much help visiting graveyards was. My daddy and I always joked and said we were “Graveyard Shopping”. Visiting graveyards will help you because of the names, birth-dates and date of death. These three things are important when you are looking for family history. Because having someone’s birth-date is normally the key to your research.
It is best to take a voice recorder with you to the graveyard so you can record the information instead of having to stand there and write it all down. My father and I wrote all the information down on a 100 degree day. Getting a voice recorder never crossed my mind, but I think that would be better than writing everything. So, visit different graveyards, find relatives and write down their information.
The above three things are the first things you should do in order to get started with your search for your Family Tree. This is going to be a long process, so don’t think it can be done in a day or two. However, in the end, it is well worth it!