Genealogy is the study of your family’s history, which is a personal record of your ancestors. Through your research you learn about when and where they were born, who they married, who their children were, where they lived and worked, and how you fit in your overall family tree.
Learning about your family history usually starts at home by talking with family members and recording information about your ancestors. You may have useful sources at home such as birth certificates, obituaries, wedding announcements, a family Bible, etc. Read these documents carefully – you may find some information about that ancestor or relative that you didn’t know before. These documents may also prove or disprove some of those family stories you grew up with.
You may find that others in your family or extended family have already done genealogy research on your family. Don't hesitate to ask close or distant relatives if they have already started researching your family.
Facts and Tips
When you're copying old family photographs, see if you can find the original negative.
[Preservation]
When interviewing a relative, etc., be prepared with a list of questions. Use a tape recorder or take very good notes. Respect the person's privacy.
[Basic Information]
Begin with the most recent census (1930) and work backwards.
[Census]
Directories are often overlooked in favor of tax rolls, census information and other forms of primary resources. However, these can be amazing resources for your family history.
[Basic Information]
Why document your research? Helps to prevent duplication of research.
Lee County Genealogical Society, Inc. is a Florida non-profit corporation and a 501(c)(3), federally recognized non-profit,
tax-exempt organization. Donations, gifts, bequests and contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.
Copyright 2019 by Lee County Genealogical Society, Inc.
Design by Webworx Design Group • Powered by EasyNetSites.com Webware
