Match the source to the question
Before searching, write down what you hope to learn. A record may confirm a relationship, suggest a place to look next, or introduce a new clue. It rarely tells an entire life story by itself.
U.S. census records
Federal census schedules can place a household in a particular location and time. Ages, occupations, and relationships may be approximate or recorded by someone else.
Vital records
Birth, marriage, and death records can connect people and places. Availability and access rules vary by state, county, and date.
Immigration & naturalization
Passenger lists and citizenship files may offer arrival details, origins, or family connections. Names and dates can differ across records.
Newspapers & directories
Local papers and city directories can add context about work, addresses, community events, and public notices. Search variations in spelling.
Church & community records
Congregations, schools, and civic groups sometimes kept records where civil records are missing. Learn the community’s history and recordkeeping practices.
Photographs & family papers
Captions, dates, stamps, and handwriting may offer leads. Preserve the original and note who supplied the identification.
Keep a useful research note
- Write the question you were trying to answer.
- Capture the full citation or a stable link and access date.
- Transcribe key details exactly; label any uncertain reading.
- Note contradictory evidence, not just details that fit.
- Plan one next step based on what the record shows.