Getting Started Help: Your Genealogy Roadmap 🗺️
Starting your family history journey requires organization and a systematic approach. The initial phase involves collecting and organizing what you already know, followed by learning basic research methodologies and essential records. These resources provide foundational advice, free charts, essential forms, and educational content from major institutions to help you build a solid foundation for your research.
Step 1: Collect & Organize (Initial Setup) 📝
- FamilySearch Wiki: Getting Started
- Family Tree Chart (Pedigree Chart) (Downloadable Standard Form)
- Research Log and Source Checklist Forms (Guides for documenting research)
- AmericanAncestors Getting Started - Tips to Help You On Your Way
- The Beginning Genealogist (General Guide)
- About.com: How To Begin Tracing Your Family Tree (ThoughtCo)
- BBC History Trails: Before You Start Your Family Tree
Step 2: Learning Methodology & Key Records 📜
- National Archives (NARA) - Start Your Genealogy Research (Focus on U.S. Federal Records)
- The Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) - Ethics and Standards (Learning best practices)
- Genealogy – Getting Started | History Detectives | PBS
- FindMyPast: 10 tips to start your family history journey
- Genealogy Resources for Researching Your Family’s Background
- Cyndi's List (The ultimate categorized directory of all online genealogy resources)
Step 3: Tools and Specialized Guides 🌐
- YouTube - Genealogy How-to (Video Tutorials)
- YouTube - How to Research Family History (Video Tutorials)
- Behind the Name (Resource for name meanings and translations)
- FamilySearch Learning Center (Free online courses and videos)
- Search tips for beginners in Polish Genealogy
- German Genealogy (GenealogyLinks)
- French Genealogy (GenealogyLinks)
- Free Mini-Course | How to Create Your Genealogy Website
Credits
Compiled by Mark Rabideau, Opa & Professional Genealogist.