Common questions about family tree research include how to start, what records are most useful, and how to verify accuracy. Key steps involve setting clear objectives, utilizing vital and immigration records, and consulting DNA testing or professional help when facing challenges.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about family tree research.
How Do I Start My Family Tree Research?
Establish the overall objective. Once you have a specific goal to pursue, you can start gathering readily available information, documents, and photographs from your home and relatives. If, for example, the goal is to detail five generations of your family, you can start with yourself and gather names, dates, locations, and evidence for every individual.
What Records Are Most Useful for Genealogical Research?
The most valuable records include vital records (birth, marriage, and death certificates), census records, church records, probate records, land records, and immigration records. These records serve as primary sources for your genealogical research as they provide people’s names, dates, and relatives.
How Can I Find Ancestors Who Immigrated to the United States?
Ancestors who immigrated to the US may be listed on immigration records. The US National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and sites like Ancestry, and FamilySearch have passenger lists dating to the early 19th century, listing major ports and people’s names and ages. You could also check naturalization records and ship manifest records that detail ports of entry and ship names.
How Do I Verify the Accuracy of My Family Tree?
Primary sources and DNA testing are the surest way to verify the accuracy of your family tree. Nonetheless, you may still need assistance from a professional genealogist to ensure that data interpretation from these sources correctly reflects your lineage.
What Do I Do If I Hit a Brick Wall in My Research?
The surest way to maneuver a brick wall is to consult a professional genealogist. While expanding your research, joining genealogical societies, and exploring archives for more information can help work around the brick wall, only a professional can tell the real cause of the brick wall and how to address it.
How Do I Use DNA Testing in Genealogical Research?
DNA testing helps confirm your relationships, provide an ethnic estimate, and discover matches on online databases. Accurate DNA results also help approve or disprove any findings on traditional genealogy research.
What Are the Best Online Resources for Genealogical Research?
Genealogical research utilizes websites and databases like Ancestry, FamilySearch, FindMyPast, and MyHeritage. Family History Centers, DNA testing service providers like 23andMe also help you make progress, verify, and validate your family history.
How Do I Organize My Genealogical Research?
The best way to organize your genealogical research is to start with a research plan that sets clear goals, details known information, creates a hypothesis, identifies vital resources, analyzes, and summarizes your findings. Also, online tree builders and genealogy software like RootsMagic can be utilized to systematically keep track of documents, notes, and sources.
How Can I Share My Findings with Family Members?
You can share the findings of your family tree research at a family gathering or compile all the findings in a publication. Similarly, online platforms like MyHeritage and Ancestry allow the user to create, collaborate, and share their trees with others.
What Are the Legal Considerations in Genealogical Research?
Genealogical research is guided by the complex legal landscape that varies from state to state, including professional conduct and private, probate, and data protection laws. The researcher should be guided by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), especially when handling personal data, and ensure that they secure necessary permissions and consents.
What Is The Origin Of My Last Name?
Your surname could most likely be derived from occupations, locations, personal characteristics, or paternal lineage. These names are usually passed down through generations, so the best way to establish the truth is through genealogical and historical records. Resources like HouseofNames and “The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Ireland” could be of help.
What Are Second Cousins? What Does “Removed” Mean?
Second cousins are those whose closest set of ancestors you share are great-grandparents. Technically, these are the children of your parents’ first cousins. Usually, what determines the level of cousin is the closest set of ancestors you share. You share a set of grandparents with your first cousins- a set of great-grandparents with your second cousins- a set of great-great-grandparents with your third cousins, and so on.
The term “removed,” commonly used to describe cousins, indicates a difference in generations. So, if your first cousin has a child, that child will be your first cousin once removed. Similarly, your parents’ first cousin is also your first cousin once removed.
Can I Really Research My Family History For Free Online?
Yes, but the scope may be limited. You can use free resources and databases to access records and assistance about a few generations in your family tree research. However, historical records, especially beyond the 1800s, may require professional interpretation, not to mention the complexities that come with expansive genealogical research.
How Do I Find Records That Aren’t Online Or Indexed?
You can visit the libraries, archives, and courthouses that preserve those documents. Luckily, most of these repositories have their contacts online, so you can inquire if the records you need are preserved there. You can also contact historical societies, whose members usually have specialized knowledge and access to private collections.
How Do I Research Ancestors Who Lived Prior To 1800?
Ancestry research information prior to 1800 is primarily available in church records, military records, wills, and land deeds since they predate civil registration. Similarly, you can consult historical societies in your region of focus, as they may have access to local records and unpublished family histories.
How Long Will The Family Tree Research Take?
Simple research may take hours, while an extensive one can span months. The duration of your research depends on factors like the availability of records, family structure, and the researcher’s experience. One pro tip to expedite your family tree research is to hire a professional genealogist and set realistic goals.
How Much Will My Family Tree Research Cost?
It depends on the complexity and your chosen genealogy research firm. It’s wise to contact several firms to compare services and rates. Ensure that you understand the time your research will take and the costs associated with the service, including additional fees like document retrieval and travel expenses.
How Do I Know A Genealogist Is Qualified And That My Research Is Accurate?
Verify the genealogist’s credentials, experience, and memberships in accredited organizations like the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG). Be sure also to review the professional genealogist’s work samples and testimonials from previous clients.