Genealogy satisfies the curiosity of those interested in knowing more about their past and history. Compiling a family tree that depicts much of one's lineage and ancestors' personal information, such as birth dates, marriages, children, and all sorts of other types of data can be a wonderful hobby to take on, and it is very popular as a pastime.
In order to obtain the information for a family history record, you will need to do extensive research. How extensive your research will be depends on the purpose of your genealogy project. If you are simply interested in a family tree that covers a few generations, much of your research can be done within your immediate family.
Interview older members of your family to discover the names and important dates connected with their parents and siblings. Also, check family Bibles and other heirlooms for information.
If you want to create a more extensive picture of your family history, you will eventually need to search through genealogy records. Sources that you may use include military records, land records, census records and the social security death index. Each of these types of records can provide information on your ancestors.
Think of a family tree as a mystery waiting to be solved. You will take on the role of a detective, gathering evidence and interviewing those who might be able to provide clues in your quest. Each bit of information that you gather will lead you to new sources and new questions.
Although it is not necessary, genealogy software can assist you in compiling your genealogy. The good ones will often include checklists of hints, tips and tricks that can prove invaluable. Such software may also be linked to research websites that can search a long list of records with a simple click. Some type of automatic family tree maker is usually included as part of the package.
A wide variety of genealogy resources are available online. There are many websites devoted to family history, such as Ancestry.com, and these can be valuable for clues and information for tracing your ancestors back in time.
You'll also discover community forums, tools, different types of genealogy software, and other types of resources, as well as make friends with many other people devoted to genealogy. What used to be a long process of sifting through old papers in file rooms has become a fast and easy project with most of the information you need available with the click of a mouse.
Genealogy can be an exciting hobby involving playing detective and learning about your family's past. You'll discover many other people related to you whose existence you were not aware of or you'll find new friends who share your passion.
Many people who begin a family tree for fun soon discover that the interest becomes a lifelong passion.
