For those who are new to genealogy, here are some basic guidelines for getting started.

1.  Start with yourself.  Write down all information about yourself--date of birth, marriage, children, etc.

2.  Complete two Family Group Sheets--one with you as the parent and one with you as the child.  Do the same with the Pedigree Charts.

3.  Write surnames in all capital letters; on pedigree charts list the male name on the top line; use maiden names for women; indicate counties as well as cities and states; write dates as 15 March 1898.  This makes it easier for you to keep track of the information, as well as making it easier for others to understand when they are reading your papers.

4.  Be organized!  List what you need to do and check off each item accomplished.  Begin a research calendar.  Keep a letter log and file copies of all letters.  File the information and documents you collect.  Keep a research log so you don't research the same source twice.

5.  Contact family members through letters, phone calls, or personal visits.  Ask about family bibles, photos, diaries, scrapbooks, birth and death certificates and other records.  Be sure to document all their comments...you never know what clues may be helpful.

6.  Take advantage of library resources, periodicals, maps, atlases, census indexes, government documents, etc.  There are a great number of resources becoming available on the internet, but not all records are available yet.  The library is still the best place to look for these items.  You can also use the LDS Family History Centers.

7.  Check available records:  vital records (birth, death and marriage), census records, Social Security records, military, civil court, school, church, mortuary, cemetery, land tax, family and county histories.  Many vital records can be ordered by mail for a small fee.

8.  Always carry your pedigree chart when researching.

9.  Begin with the living and work back in time.

10.  Avoid hasty abbreviations in note taking.  Later on, you might not remember what that abbreviation stands for.

11.  Be aware of possible variations in spelling.  Many times names were spelled how they sounded...not everyone could write or spell.  Also keep in mind that transcribed records may have been misspelled.  Deciphering old handwriting can be very difficult, especially if the document has been stained or faded.

12.  Last, but not least...Beware!  Genealogy can be very addicting!