Genealogy Questions Answered

Genealogy is a popular pastime. It is natural to be curious about one's roots and family history, and genealogy allows all of the information to be compiled and passed along to future generations. The internet has proved to be a powerful tool for genealogists, allowing easier searches of records as well as the sharing of information between genealogists who share a common line. This audio program will discuss some of the common questions surrounding genealogy and family history that may help you find your ancestors.

What is genealogy?

Genealogy can be defined as the study and recording of one's family history. The information is recorded in a document known as a family tree. Information that may be documented in the written record includes birth, death and marriage dates, names of spouse(s) and children, and perhaps pertinent historical or medical data.

What is a family tree?

The family tree is the written record of a family's genealogy. Often, a pictorial diagram shows the ancestry at a glance. This is generally accompanied by a written compilation of important details that are not reflected in the pictorial diagram. Try to write this as an interesting account of your family's life that someone else would want to read. The written account will add color and flavor to the bare details reflected in the diagram. Although hand drawn family trees are quite striking, you will probably want to take advantage of computer software that will automatically generate the family tree based on the data that you input. Begin entering information immediately and be sure to add to it regularly.

What is a genogram?

A genogram takes the concept of a family tree a step further. A genogram diagrams something specific that may be hereditary. Common genograms include medical history or relationship and behavioral patterns. The genogram is carefully constructed to show patterns that occur through multiple generations.

Why is genealogy important?

We are ultimately the product of those who have gone before us. In order to understand ourselves better, it is important to understand where we came from. Additionally, genealogy may be used to find lost relatives or trace a line of descendants from a well-known ancestor. Genealogy is also a way to acknowledge the importance and life history of our deceased loved ones. Genealogy can be used to put together the life story of an individual family.

How do I get started?

Beginning the research on your family tree is often the hardest step. Make it easier on yourself by gathering as much information as possible before you begin. Only research one line at a time (for example, the women of the family working backwards from your mother). You can eventually compile multiple lines of research, but trying to cross-reference everyone at the outset can be quite daunting. Interview every willing member of your family about his or her brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents. Be sure to get as many dates as possible (birth, marriage, death, divorce, etc.). Find out whether anyone in the family has already performed any genealogical research and whether old written records such as a family Bible exist. Write down everything that you discover and document all of your sources carefully. You may need to revisit the same sources on multiple occasions.

I have done all the research I can within my immediate family. Now what?

Now it is time to take the information you have compiled and use it to move backward through your family line. Your first step should to be to check with the major research societies and online forums to see if anyone else is researching the same surnames as you are. It is possible that a completed or in-process genealogy will link to yours, so be sure to research any current genealogies that seem plausible.

Should I join a genealogical society?

Joining a society is generally recommended. Genealogical societies work together to cross-reference records and match up members with similar research interests. Look for a society in your area and consider becoming a member of an online genealogical community.

What resources are available to me online?

Genealogy sites such as ancestry.com have proven to be an invaluable and very powerful tool in genealogical research. A million plus member database statistically increases your chances that you will find members and information that is directly related to your search. Additionally, some of these sites provide one click access to databases of public records across the world, making your research easier and less time consuming.

With so much information available online, is there any need to sort through dusty files in person?

Yes. While more and more records are being released online, you must consider the sheer volume of records that have been generated throughout human history. Only a relatively small portion of those records has been transferred to microfilm or microfiche, and of those, only a small number have been transferred online. For the near future, you should plan on a combination of internet research, in-person research, and queries to vital records offices by postal mail.

How long will it take me to create a family tree?

A family tree is never fully finished. If you believe that common ancestors connect us all, then a truly completed family tree would ultimately include every person who has ever lived! Obviously, this is not a realistic research goal. How long it takes to get your family tree to the point that you want depends on your specific research interests, which may change over time. A few weeks is probably long enough to develop a basic record of the past several generations, depending on how difficult your family's records are to access. However, many budding genealogists set out to fill time over the summer and discover a new lifelong hobby. Genealogy can be addicting.

What are some of the problems I might run into when performing genealogical research?

The biggest problem that most of us will face is loss or destruction of records. Virtually every bloodline has in its history an era of persecution, flood, fire or other disaster. At a time when all records were on paper, even a small local fire could be enough to destroy all of the town's records. Those who fled persecution often changed their names on the spot and went into hiding in a new location. There will be gaps in your records and you might hit a wall beyond which it is impossible to trace a certain branch of your family.

When you run into these problems, think outside the box. Try to connect an ancestor whose trail has gone cold to someone else in your family whose records you have. Odds are good that a connection is there, although it may take some detective work to figure out the link. Patience and perseverance are the keys.

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