Here are some basic tips for getting started in genealogy.If you follow these tips, you will come to find genealogy as fascinating as we do.

How to Get Started in Genealogy

1. Indentify what you know about your ancestor

Write what you already know about your ancestor on a pedigree chart.

Write the surname in all caps. This helps the eye to scan over genealogical records easier (ex: Paula Ann AUSMUS)

List the dates like this: 23 Jul 1998 instead of 7-23-98. This keeps the numbers from getting jumbled.

Write the names of places in this order: City/Township, County, State, Country (ex: Anaheim, Orange, California.)

You should also fill out a family group record for all of your direct line ancestors.

Note: Every person should be on two family group records--one listing them as a child to parents and one listing them as a parent to children.

These are the two main tools used in genealogical research. Even with all the resources available today, filling in the blanks on these two charts should be your main goal.

2. Decide what you want to learn

Pedigree charts ask these questions about each ancestor:
--birth date and place
--marriage date and place
--death date and place

Pick one of your ancestors from your pedigree chart and then pick one of the items above as an objective, and get to work.

3. Select the records to search

There are two main types of genealogical records:
--Compiled records: These are records tthat have already been researched by others, such as biographies, family histories, or genealogies that may be on microfilm, microfiche, or books or at FamilySearch research stations.

--Original records: These are records tthat were created at or near the time of the event such as birth, death and marriage registers, census records, land and property records or probate records.

Look for the compiled records first, THEN search the original records. This could save you hours of looking. Finding compiled records doesn't mean that there won't be mistakes or wrong infomation. But, you might be surprised at what research may already be done on your family lines.

4. Obtain and search the record

Many local libraries have very good genealogical materials. Especially for the surrounding areas of that library's location. Again, Family History Centers are an excellent place to obtain records.

Whatever the source, search the records. Look at broad time periods, check for spelling variations, and write down your results even if you come up empty-handed.

5. Use the information

Evaluate what you've found. Did you find the information that you were looking for? Is that information complete? Does it conflict with other information? Did you record your findings to avoid back-tracking?

-Copy the information to pedigree chartts and family group records.
-Organize the information. Use a filingg system that works for you.
-Share the information with interested family members.

What next? Select a new objective and start all over again based on what you now know about the ancestor.

Record and Notekeeping

Your genealogical record keeping should include at least three things: pedigree charts, family group records, and research logs.

We have already discussed the basics of filling in the pedigree chart, and the family group sheet is the same idea. Research logs, however, are a different matter. Research logs should list the name of each research subject, often a married couple. Record each source that you look in even if it gleaned a negative result.

Each time you find a relevant document, you should xerox it and label it for your files. One suggestion I would give you, is to have a binder with only pedigree charts in them. You can buy numbered page dividers. Start with your pedigree and put it behind page divider #1; then your parents behind #2, etc. I have xeroxed my paternal line pedigrees on blue acid free paper, and my maternal on pink acid free paper. I also keep the family group records in another binder. I bought the lettered divider tabs and file them alphabetically. I keep my paternal and maternal family group records in binders separate.

I have bought manilla folders and put the surname on the outside. I then have smaller folders within the big one. The smaller folders are labeled by each head of household. I put all the xeroxed information regarding each head of household and his/her family within his/her folder.

I also save one copy of all original extraction documents such as census extraction forms, pedigree charts, family group records and research logs. I keep them in my file box too. The reason I do this is so that if I am at the Family History Center and I need an extraction document, I can just xerox one from my file and not have to worry about whether the center has them or not.

This is just my way of filing. I like it and it works well for me. The best thing about organization, is that you can devise a system that works for you.


Many of you have emailed and asked me where you can go and get the forms needed for genealogical research. The main place you can go is to your local family history center. They should have a listed in your local telephone book under the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They will have all the forms you will need from pedigree charts and family group sheets to the census extractions and the research logs.

I have also been receiving lots of email asking about Genealogy programs for the computer. I personally use and endorse Family Origins 10.0. This is a wonderful program that offers many extras. It also has GedCom capabilities and Temple Ready. It also has a "To do" list that I find very helpful in my research. I would highly recommend this program. It will be all you ever need.