Discovering your family history is an incredible journey that goes beyond names and dates. It’s solving a puzzle that connects you to your ancestors. Genealogy is about discovering and organizing everything they’ve left behind to create a story that will never be forgotten.

However, getting started with your family tree can be daunting. Family trees can become complex rapidly, and the abundance of information available on websites like Ancestry.com can be overwhelming.

To help you get started, I’ve broken down the process into 10 steps to kick-start your genealogy journey. Let’s begin!

Step 1: Set Your Goal

Before beginning, it’s crucial to set clear expectations and define your goal for what you want to achieve. Speaking from experience, it’s all too easy to veer off track once your research starts, so having a specific goal to focus on is essential to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Ensure that your goal is specific and attainable. For instance:

By Christmas next year I will have birth, marriage, and death dates for each of my direct line ancestors going back 3 generations.

I have a history of setting unrealistic goals and then getting sidetracked during research, resulting in incomplete goals.  It’s an issue I’ve been addressing, and while I’m making progress, there’s still room for improvement.

My biggest tip to new family historians is to not make my mistakes!  Setting clear goals from the beginning will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the process.

Step 2: Prep Your Family Tree

Based on the goal you set in Step 1, you should be able to prepare a tree that goes as far as your goal.  For instance, if your goal was to have birth, marriage, and death dates for 3 generations, your tree will need to have space for that information.

There are different methods to document your family tree, either on paper or through a digital format.

Paper charts are traditional printable family tree charts that you can write on or fill out online and then print out.

Digital charts use software or online platforms like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, or FamilySearch to build your chart for you.

Digital charts are great for record-keeping and sharing, but can be intimidating for new family historians.  Paper charts rely on you to fill out and keep all the information, but are very flexible and can support little notes for missing information.

Years ago, my grandma and I tried to fill out a family tree for her grandmother.  We didn’t have a lot of specific information on her mother’s side of the family, but grandma knew stories.  On a paper chart I could write some of those notes easily.

For example, one of her grandmother’s twins died, and when grandpa came back from town after burying him, the other twin had also died (so they both died a few days apart from each other).  My grandma remembered hearing grandpa was worried about the ground being hard to dig through after the snow had melted but it wasn’t so it didn’t take him too long to bury the first one and come home (putting the timeframe most likely in spring).

So we knew both twins died in spring a couple days apart but didn’t know what month or year.  I was able to jot down these notes on a paper chart across the twins “Death Date” section, but would’ve had less flexibility in a digital chart to record the same information.

Step 3: Start with Yourself and Work Backwards

Start with what you know: you!

Write down your full name, your birthdate, your place of birth, and if applicable, your marriage date and place of marriage in your family tree.

Then, record what you know of your parent’s information.  Their full names, birth dates, places of birth, date and place of marriage, and if applicable, date and place of death.

After that, add what you know of your grandparents’ information, including both sides of the family.

This is a great time to see if this information has already been collected!  Talk to family members and ask if they have any of this information.  Some of your older family members (or curious younger ones!) may have already done some of the work, making it easier for you and providing a chance to collaborate and discover more!

Step 4: Make a Plan

Now that you know what you have and what you still need (remember your goal!), create a plan to gather what’s left.

Create a timeline that supports your goal.  Allocating times or days to focus on different aspects of your research can help you stay on track.  For example, can you dedicate Saturday morning to focus solely on your paternal grandfather?  Can you visit and ask him about the information?  Or is there another relative that knew him well you could ask?

List resources that could have the information as well.  Online databases like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch, but also other resources, such as your town’s local library archive or the cemetery where your ancestor is buried.

Identify milestone dates to help keep you on track.  Based on your goal, when do you want to achieve gathering the first pieces of information?  Keeping a detailed plan will help you stay organized and help to track your progress.  

Step 5: Interview Family

Take time to preserve your family stories!  One common regret shared by family historians and older family members is not asking questions while their relatives were still alive.  Once they pass, valuable stories and details will be forever lost.

I highly suggest interviewing your family members to capture their unique perspectives and first-hand accounts.

Prepare for the interview by having a set of questions ready, such as names, dates, place, and memorable stories you’re still looking for.  If possible, consider recording the interview with their permission to ensure you capture all the details accurately.

Keep an open mind during the interview and let the conversation flow naturally. Don’t be afraid to explore unexpected tangents, as they often lead to fascinating discoveries. Even the smallest details can be significant, so make sure to take note of everything and revisit it later if needed.

Step 6: Search Online Databases

Once you’ve established a foundation for your family tree, online databases can be invaluable resources for locating historical records and documents.

Genealogy websites such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and others host millions of records that family historians can search through. While many of these platforms require a subscription for long-term access, most offer free trials that you can take advantage of to start your research.

Additionally, there are numerous public records available. Many U.S. states maintain databases with records of births, deaths, marriages, and immigration. While some of these records may require a fee to obtain copies, many can be searched at no cost.

It’s crucial to verify the accuracy of any records you find by cross-referencing them with other sources. Since most records document key life events (such as birth, marriage, and death), they should be relatively straightforward to fact-check against one another.

Don’t forget to verify information gathered from family interviews as well. Memories can become distorted over time, and stories may include embellishments. While family anecdotes are valuable, ensuring their accuracy will help you avoid confusion and additional work later on. If you’re unsure about any details, note them for future verification so you can address any discrepancies when you encounter them again.

Step 7: Gather and Organize Your Findings

Once you start accumulating information and records, it’s essential to develop an effective record-keeping system. Trust me, having a well-organized method in place from the start will save you a tremendous amount of effort compared to trying to organize everything after gathering data on dozens of individuals.

I use both digital and physical records—stored on my computer and in a file cabinet in my office. While managing multiple storage methods can be overwhelming, each has its advantages and is worth setting up properly.

To maintain consistency, I try to use the same organizational system across both digital and physical formats. For example, my digital files are organized into folders that mirror the categories in my file cabinet. I also ensure that all records are labeled in the same way, particularly when dealing with duplicates (one digital, one physical). I say “try” because I started my research before establishing a system and now find myself playing catch-up. Believe me, it’s easier to start organized from the beginning!

For digital family trees on platforms like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, or FamilySearch, you can attach records directly to individuals in your tree. I recommend tagging these records to enhance organization further, though having them linked to the correct person is already a big help.

By adopting a consistent system for organizing your documents and records, you’ll avoid confusion and streamline your research process.

Step 8: Analyze the Data

Reviewing and interpreting the information you collect is crucial for uncovering patterns, verifying details, and identifying new names or places in your family tree.

As you analyze your data, look for recurring names, locations, or events. For instance:

• Common Locations: Do you see the same church appearing in multiple marriage records?  This could indicate a family church.
• Names Across Generations: Are there family names passed down through generations, such as first, second, and third names with suffixes?  This could indicate a family naming tradition.
• Geographical Patterns: Are your ancestors moving from Virginia to Kentucky, and then to Missouri? This could indicate migration patterns or travel.

These details can provide valuable insights into your family’s history and help you piece together their story.

Always remember to verify and cross-check information from different sources. If you encounter conflicting details, make a note of them and seek additional sources to determine the accuracy. Resolving discrepancies will strengthen the reliability of your family tree.

Step 9: Fill out Your Family Tree

If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to populate your family tree with the verified information you’ve gathered!

Enter names, dates, locations, relationships, and any other verified details into your chosen family tree template or software. If you have personal stories, photos, or records, be sure to add or link these to enhance the richness of your family tree.

Remember to regularly save your work. For digital files, back up your data consistently to avoid losing your progress. If you’re working with paper copies, periodically create and store scanned copies. Having backup copies ensures that your hard work is protected in case of unforeseen events.

Step 10: Continue the Search!

Genealogy is a journey, not a destination. Once you achieve your initial goal, set new ones to keep the exploration alive!

• Update Regularly: Continuously update your family tree as you uncover new information or stories. Regular updates ensure that your family history remains accurate and comprehensive.
• Revisit Uncertain Sources: Re-examine any sources you were initially unsure about. As your understanding of your ancestors improves, you might find that previously uncertain information becomes clearer.
• Expand Your Resources: If you’ve primarily used one platform, such as Ancestry.com, try exploring others like FamilySearch. Compare the information you find—are the records consistent, or do they offer new insights? Understanding different sources can help verify the accuracy of your data.
• Verify Family Stories: If Aunt Carol shared a story about her grandfather traveling to Alaska during the gold rush, search for records to confirm or refute the tale. This not only adds depth to your family history but also validates personal anecdotes.
• Share and Collaborate: Don’t forget to share your findings with family members. Their feedback could reveal new stories or details, and they may help jog memories about additional information or corrections.

Building a family tree is an exciting, ongoing adventure. By following these steps, you can create a rich and meaningful representation of your family’s history. Embrace the journey and enjoy the process of discovery!

Happy researching!