Where Are You From? Who Are You?
Have you ever thought about whom your ancestors were? Maybe you know some names and dates, but what do you know about they people they were and the lives they led? Today’s technology makes finding out possible.
Where Do I Start?
The first step is putting together the information you already have. Dust off the family Bible, go through the old boxes in the attic, find those birth certificates and wedding invitations. Get organized. Then its time to call Grandma. Getting information from relatives is not always easy, but if you are patient you will usually get some information that will lead you down the right path.
What Next?
Most likely you will discover that pen and paper are not enough to organize what you have found. There are plenty of software programs available in bookstores and on the Internet. Many are free, or have free trial periods. Experiment and find the one that works best for you. If you find that your current software is not meeting your needs, don’t worry. Nearly all genealogy software programs are compatible with one another.
I Want to Know More.
The Internet is a tremendous resource, but you have to take check all of your sources. Don’t believe anything until you have proof. Also be aware that official government documents, especially census records and death certificates, often have erroneous information.
There are many genealogy professionals available to meet your specific research needs. Adam Lowe Martin, a free-lance writer from Charlotte, North Carolina, has been doing genealogical research and writing for over a decade. Read some of the amazing stories he has found at TheWeeklyDash.blogspot.com.
