Climbing Your Family Tree

Have you ever climbed a tree and sat enjoying the view?

Well, get ready to climb; only this tree—the view from it—will be the most fascinating you've ever seen. Your family will want to climb the tree someday, too, so it's important to carefully record your findings in a permanent place for everyone to enjoy long after you have become their ancestor.

Linking generations, setting each in its unique historical perspective, brings them to life again for everyone. Through you, your children will look into eyes that are very like their own.

Looking Around You . . . Identify What You Know

Begin at home. Personal knowledge can form the first limbs of your family tree. First, make a simple chart, beginning with you, your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Search for birth, marriage, and death certificates, and other documents that might provide names, dates, and locations. Then look at your familyÍs Bible records, old letters, photographs and family memorabilia. Label everything you recognize. Now you are well on your way to forming the branches of your family tree—and it will begin to bud.

Contact family members to ask questions about their lives and those of other family members. Where did they live—what part of the country—what kind of dwelling? Did they move around while growing up? When were their relatives born; when did they die? Take along some of the old photos and attic treasures to jog their memories. And be sure to ask if you may see their old family records, letters, and memorabilia that might help you expand your search.

Listen to family stories and make notes. Family members often have different versions of the same story since each person remembers an event in his or her unique way, but these differences make it interesting! Share what you already know with them. Use a tape recorder if your relative feels comfortable with it, and make your initial visits short with someone you are just getting to know.

Recording Your Information . . .

After collecting family information, it is important to record it correctly on forms referred to as family group sheets and pedigree charts. Be sure to indicate a source for each fact and then file families in separate groups organized so that you can locate each individual in an ever-expanding collection. Include old photos (of people, homes, and cemetery markers) and record stories, both those you heard as a child and those your family members tell you.

Prepare Yourself for Your Climb

Before you begin your climb you should have the right gear for the trip. Be smart and learn the basics of genealogical methodology. Purchase "how-to" books that will explain research techniques and sources.

Decide What You Want to Learn

Pick an individual about whom your information is incomplete. For example if you are missing information about one of your four sets of grandparents, start with them. Try to obtain death, marriage and birth records if available. Always work backward from the known to the unknown.

Decide Which Records Will be Most Helpful

Your first step should be to obtain vital records where such records exist. Vital records include 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.

Another basic foundation for genealogical research involves searching all available federal census records. Federal census records from 1790-1920 are available at the National Archives and its branches, through an LDS Family History Center, at many large public libraries and through interlibrary loan.

Having collected this information you are now ready to visit or contact the courthouse in the locality which your ancestor(s) lived. On the local level you may be able to discover wills, deeds and other records. Local libraries often have helpful collections. The Handy Book for Genealogists and Elizabeth Petty Bentley's County Courthouse Book will provide addresses. Some of these can be ordered online through the NGS Bookstore.

Library Research

Libraries with major genealogical collections are an important way to develop oneÍs genealogical research 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.

Family History Center Libraries

The Genealogical Society of Utah 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.

Getting More Formal Education

At this point you have been working mostly on your own. You might consider taking classes at your local college or adult education facility. You may be considering the NGS on-line course, Introduction to Genealogy, available through the NGS Learning Center.

To continue your learning experience beyond that of a beginner, you may want to enroll in the National Genealogical Society's home study program, NGS American Genealogy: A Home Study Course now available on CD ROM. This widely acclaimed course, available through the NGS Learning Center, enables you to study at home at your own pace and includes instructions and assignments. You return the completed lessons to NGS for grading and comments by experienced genealogists. While taking this course, you will learn how to find and use source records, evaluate genealogical evidence, document each item, and maintain orderly records.