Tracing Your Roots: A Guide to Starting Your Family Tree Research

Researching your family tree can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. It allows you to uncover the stories of your ancestors, connect with your heritage, and preserve the memory of your loved ones. It is particularly beneficial for those seeking comfort on a grief journey. Whether you're just starting out or have been working on your family tree for a while, there are a few key steps you can take to make your research as effective and enjoyable as possible.

Start with what you know

To get started, begin by compiling a list of all the information you already know. This may include full names, dates of birth and death, and locations of where your ancestors lived. Having this information in hand will give you a foundation to build upon as you continue your research. You can use this list to prioritise your search and make sure you are not duplicating efforts. It will also help you focus your research on the areas where you need the most information.

Use online resources

There are many online resources available to help you research your family tree. Some of the most popular and useful include websites like Ancestry and FindMyPast, which offer access to millions of historical records, such as census records, birth and death certificates, and military records. These resources can help you build out your family tree, find missing information, and fill in any gaps in your knowledge. These online resources also help you to physically build your family tree, and some plans even allow you to print it and present it in a beautiful way for your relatives and others that might be interested.

Visit archives and libraries

Archives and libraries are great resources for researching your family tree. They can provide access to local and national records, such as census records, land deeds, and wills. Some libraries also have special collections, such as genealogy or local history, that can be extremely helpful in your research. If you are unable to visit in person, many archives and libraries offer online access to their collections – so always search beforehand if you would rather conduct your research from the comfort of your own home.

Connect with other researchers

Joining a genealogy society or connecting with other researchers through online forums can be an invaluable resource in your research. You can share information and learn from others, as well as connect with potential relatives and discover new branches of your family tree. As we mentioned, the websites above connect you to others all around the world researching their heritage too – you never know, you might just meet a distant cousin you never knew about…

Document your findings

As you research your family tree, it's important to document your findings, including dates, places, and names. This will help you keep track of your progress and avoid duplication, as well as make it easier to share your research with others. You can choose how to present your findings, but there is plenty of software out there to help you to bring together all of your information. Try keeping a folder, either physically or digitally, to keep your information together and ordered to save you time in the long run.

Researching your family tree can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, and a great way to connect with your heritage and preserve the memory of your loved ones. By following these tips, you'll be able to make the most of your research and uncover the stories of your ancestors. If you know someone who may be grieving, you could suggest they create a family tree to help soothe their pain, as it might help them to feel closer to family they may have lost over time.