Doing Your Homework

At times, beginning genealogists start their research, by trying to find 

out their great-great grandparents identity, or who was the first one 

to immigrate to America.  This often becomes very frustrating for them 

because they usually can not find any information or sometimes they 

find things that they think are true, then they find out later that their 

information doesn't apply to their family history.

It is very important to understand that there are several key 

sources of information to be found before you use the Internet.   

  1. You need to have a good base before you ever start your online 

research. Using the right forms and putting down as much information 

as you know.

  2. You need an online research plan of information you already know 

in place to make your online searching much more profitable.

You can use these resources to build a good base before you start 

your surfing on the internet.  You can however use the online resources 

to help you find out what type of information you will need to get started. 

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Always start with yourself

Make sure you know everything about yourself first before you ever go online, to libraries, or any other source to do your research. Take a pad of paper, pencils, tape recorder ( ask permission first) and do an interview with family or friends.  Start by asking the following people: parents, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles and close friends many questions.

You need to try to find out your ancestor's entire-name first, middle and last, birth dates and their siblings' names, where they were born, (country, city, township and county). If you can find out their siblings name that is also beneficial.  Knowing the siblings' names will help you know whether you have found the right family when you are doing your research.  

These are the very first steps to a successful journey before you ever start your genealogical research at libraries, courthouse or online.  

Doing your homework first each time you go and work on your genealogy is the key to being a successful genealogist. 

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