How Do I Research My Genealogy?

Whether you’re trying to find your roots or want to learn more about your family’s history, there are several methods you can use. These include newspaper articles, online databases, and professional genealogists. Regardless of your particular research methods, you must clearly know where to begin.

Professional Genealogists

Several organizations have standardized criteria for genealogists, which can help you choose a professional genealogist. Hiring professional genealogists can be an excellent option if you cannot do the research yourself. Nevertheless, you need to make sure that you hire a genealogist with a proven track record.

Check online reviews and their work samples to see whether the professional genealogist has the right skills and experience to do the research. It would be best to avoid genealogists using only accessible sources and compiled documents. This may signal a lack of motivation and reliance on unproven work. Also, consider the pace of the research and social proof.

Becoming a professional genealogist is an excellent way to gain experience and boost your knowledge. Participating in local groups to network and diversify your knowledge is also a great idea. There are also several associations for genealogists, which are designed to promote high standards and ethical research. In addition, they offer educational opportunities and publish a quarterly journal.

Online Resources

There are several online resources for researching your genealogy. You can use Google Maps to locate historical records of your ancestors. You can also create a personalized map of places you want to visit during your research. If you are looking for records in England, you can use Free BMD. This online resource aims to transcribe the Civil Registration Indexes of 1837-1992. It has more than 270 million records available.

The Family History Library has a vast database of family history material, including millions of microform records, hundreds of thousands of books and maps, and thousands of obituaries and death notices from the U.S. government. It also offers an online genealogy section that offers free access to 3.5 billion family trees.

Newspapers

Newspapers like this website https://www.genealogybank.com/explore/newspapers/all can be a great source of information for your genealogy research. Not only can you read the articles in the newspaper but you can also discover a lot about your ancestors’ lives. You may even find some information on the social background of your ancestors. There are many databases of newspapers online or at your local library.

If you’re new to researching your genealogy using newspapers, you can sign up for a free trial to see how these tools work. You can search their database for seven days and see if any of your ancestors’ names are present. Finding the right newspapers can break through a genealogical roadblock and enrich your family story with vital records.

Online Databases

Online databases are a great way to find information about your ancestors. Depending on your specific interests, these databases can include millions of records, unique primary sources, and convenient research guides. They offer everything from census and birth records to military, burial, and tombstone records. Some even include maps.

You may use a free online database or pay for a subscription depending on your needs. The free databases include FamilySearch, which has a “go-to” wiki for genealogy topics. For instance, the Wiki section contains explanations of federal census years, including copies of the original questions and forms. You can also find a wealth of information from the U.S. Census Bureau, including links to state censuses, tools to conduct research, and calculators for converting the year of birth to the year of death.

Genealogical databases can also be found at your local library. The Library of Congress maintains several reference services that can be very helpful to those who are researching their ancestors. There are wiki entries on various types of genealogy, and a search engine for the 1940 United States Federal Census is available for free. The National Genealogical Society also offers resources and news for genealogists.

DNA Testing

The process of DNA testing can help you discover your family history. DNA tests are based on autosomal DNA, which contains about 700,000 DNA markers. Autosomal DNA is usually passed down through generations, with each parent passing on half of the individual’s genetic material. This type of DNA is inherited from both parents and can provide clues to your ancestors’ past.

Until recently, DNA testing was considered expensive for most genealogy questions, but costs have come down so that anyone can afford it. Now, you can use this method to confirm your hypotheses and discover relatives you never knew existed. If you’re interested in using DNA testing for your genealogy research, consider contacting a company that offers it. They can recommend DNA tests and help you analyze the results.