Build a foundation before you search
Family history is a process of asking, checking, and connecting. Begin with the people and details closest to you, then move back one generation at a time. Treat each clue as a lead until a source supports it.
Write down what you know
Begin with yourself and work backward. Note full names, approximate dates, places, and relationships. Mark uncertain details with a question mark instead of guessing.
Talk with relatives, if they’re comfortable
Ask open questions and let the conversation wander. Record only with permission, and confirm how the person wants their story shared.
Choose one focused question
For example: Where did a great-grandparent live in 1930? A specific question keeps research manageable and helps you recognize relevant evidence.
Look for records close to the event
Birth, marriage, death, census, immigration, church, and newspaper records each offer different clues. Search with flexible spellings and locations.
Save the source with the clue
Write down the record title, creator, date, repository or website, and page or image number. Keep a note of what the record says and what it does not prove.
Keep living people’s information private
Ask before sharing personal details, photos, or recordings. Be especially careful with information about people who are living or recently deceased, and follow family members’ wishes.