Baldwin County Genealogical Society
getting started on your family history

A guide for beginners to get started on your family history - six steps.

• 1. Begin by identifying what you know about the members of your family.
• Obtain a "Pedigree Chart" and list what you already know on the chart.
• Write all "surnames" in Caps as {JONES, Emily Diane} This enables you to scan the record easier.
• List all "dates" consistently as {27 September 1937} not 9/27/1938.
• Write all "places" as {City, Township/County, State, Country} Chula Vista, San Diego, California, USA
• Organize all the information you find.

• 2. Decide what you'd like to learn. {Most charts will ask the following questions}.
• Born ?
• Where ?
• Married ?
• Where ?
• Divorced ?
• Where?
• Died ?
• Where ?

• 3. Decide what and which records to search. {Generally you'll find two types}.
• Original Records: Records which were created at or near the time of the event; ie - census, birth, marriage or death.
• Compiled Records: Records which were completed by others; ie - Bible/Book records, Computer, Microfilm or Microfiche.

  * Search for compiled records first; then original records. You could be surprised by the research completed on your family lines.
  ** Remember - finding information on records does not mean there are no errors.

• 4. Procure and search the records.
• Check all the libraries in your local area for genealogical materials.

  *What ever your source, search the records, check time periods, check spelling of names and places.
  ** Make detailed notes on all your findings.

• 5.Evaluate the information you have found.
• Is your information complete?
• Is the information what you are looking for?
• Does the information you found - conflict with other information you have?

• 6.Complete "Family Group Records"
• For yourself as a child; with your parents, brothers and sisters.
• For yourself as a parent, with your spouse and children.

  ** If there is more than one marriage; you must fill out another record.

Genealogy:
A study of family and identification of ancestors and their pertinent information (birth, death, marriage etc.).
Also Known As: Family history, family search, ancestor search, family tree, lineage, personal ancestry, redeeming the dead.

Genealogist:
One who pursues the science or study of family descent or ancestry. You do not have to be certified or trained to be a genealogist. Professional genealogist:
One who compiles family histories and genealogies for clients for a fee.
Certified genealogist:
One who has passed a test administered by a certifying organization, and subscribes to a code of ethics.

Cyndi's list for beginners

Genealogy dictionary