Getting Started with Family History: A Beginner’s Guide to Genealogy Research

Have you ever wondered where you came from—not just the place, but the people, the stories, the roots? Genealogy is the journey of discovering those connections, and the good news is: you don’t need to be a historian or have a fancy subscription to get started.

Whether you’re looking to build your family tree or just want to know more about your grandparents' lives, here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you begin your family history journey.

1. Start With What You Know

You might be surprised how much you already have. Write down everything you know about your immediate family:

• Full names (including maiden names)

• Birth, marriage, and death dates

• Places of residence

• Occupations, religious affiliations, or military service

Use a simple notebook, spreadsheet, or a free family tree template to begin organizing the information. Start with yourself and work backward.

2. Talk to Your Relatives—Now

Your best sources of family history may be sitting at the next family gathering or just a phone call away. Older relatives can provide names, dates, family stories, and even clues that don’t exist in records.

Here are some starter questions:

• "What do you remember about your parents or grandparents?"

• "Do we have any old family photos or letters?"

• "Are there any family traditions or stories that were passed down?"

Tip: Record the conversation (with permission). These stories become priceless treasures later.

3. Organize Your Documents

Start gathering any family records you can find—birth certificates, marriage licenses, obituaries, letters, photographs, military records, even postcards.

Create folders (physical or digital) by family line or person. Label everything clearly. If you're scanning documents, be sure to save high-quality copies and back them up in multiple places (USB, cloud storage, etc.).

4. Use Free Online Tools

You don’t have to spend a dime to get started online. There are some fantastic free resources for beginners:

• FamilySearch.org – A massive free genealogy site with global records and a collaborative family tree.

• FindAGrave.com – Cemetery and burial records with user-contributed photos and obituaries.

• USGenWeb.org – A grassroots project of volunteers offering free genealogy info by U.S. state and county.

• The National Archives (archives.gov) – Free access to U.S. census, military, and immigration records.

Create a free account where needed, and begin exploring. Focus on just one ancestor or family line at first—it helps keep things manageable.

5. Expect Surprises—and Dead Ends

Genealogy is a puzzle with some missing pieces. You may discover unexpected name changes, lost relatives, or gaps in the paper trail. That’s normal.

When you hit a “brick wall,” don’t get discouraged:

• Try searching alternate spellings

• Look for neighbors or relatives in census records

• Join a genealogy group (online or local) for support

Remember: every detail you uncover is a step forward.

6. Celebrate and Share Your Progress

As your family tree grows, take time to reflect on what you’ve found. Share it with others—make a photo album, start a simple website, or print a timeline of your ancestors’ lives.

Genealogy isn’t just about the past—it’s a way to strengthen connections, honor those who came before, and preserve stories for those yet to come.

Getting started with genealogy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Begin with curiosity. Gather what you know. Talk to your people. Use the tools available. And most of all—enjoy the journey.

You’re not just collecting names—you’re bringing your family’s story back to life.