Genealogy

Start with YOU. Instead of initially seeking out information on unknown distant relatives, start with yourself. Record your name(s), dates of important events such as your date of birth or date of marriage(s), and where you've lived. Then do the same for those whose information you already know - perhaps your children, siblings, parents, and grandparents. For each person, you are looking for four bits of information:

Names - full name and any name changes or variations

Dates - birth, marriages, and death

Places - locations lived

Relationships - relation to others

These first branches will help you get started and then you can continue growing your tree out from there. Do note to keep expectations reasonable - it can be difficult to find family histories going back beyond the 1800s.

National Archives.(2021, September 29). How to Begin Genealogical Research. https://www.archives.gov/riverside/how-to-begin-genealogical-research

Your living known relatives can be great sources of information. They may have original documents, diaries, and photographs of themselves and their relatives to aid in your search. Start by reaching out and seeing what information and materials are already available to you.

You can access numerous records online, including census records, marriage certificates, and death registrations. The years for these documents may be limited depending on the date and location. Check the Library Databases & Genealogy Websites tab for links to these online resources. 

If you find a relative with community connections, you can also be able to contact local libraries and archives, which may have access to local newspapers, records from societies and organizations, and even personal papers for individuals of note. Local churches may keep marriage or funeral records that are not otherwise available. 

International family research can present additional challenges - country names change, you may not be fluent in the language, and records may not be as easily accessible. Familysearch.org has a list of international websites that may be useful to your quest. 

National Archives.(2021, September 29). How to Begin Genealogical Research. https://www.archives.gov/riverside/how-to-begin-genealogical-research

Family History Daily. (2024). Tracing Ancestors in the Old Country: How to Start Your International Research. https://familyhistorydaily.com/genealogy-help-and-how-to/international-research/

Perhaps a family tree isn't the only information you are seeking. You may want to know more details of your family's history and have a more narrative record of your relatives. Speaking with your living relatives provides an opportunity to do just that. You can ask for stories or interview them with a set of questions. ThoughtCo.com has a list of 50 questions that you can use to help create a personal record of your relatives.