To start doing your family history, the primary and essential step is to connect with your relatives.
The Crucial First Step: Talking to Your Relatives
Beginning your family history journey involves engaging directly with your family members. This personal interaction can unlock a wealth of information and provide the foundational details for your research.
It's highly recommended to start your conversations with the oldest living relatives you have. They often possess the deepest memories and knowledge about past generations, family stories, and important dates or events.
How to Gather Information from Relatives
When you talk to your family, make sure to capture the information accurately. You should:
- Take written notes during your conversations.
- Alternatively, record your interviews (always ask for permission first!). This ensures you don't miss any details and can revisit the information later.
- Politely ask family members for permission to see certificates or other family documents they might have.
Recording Vital Family Records
A critical part of documenting your family history is recording vital records. These are the key life events for each individual. As you gather information from relatives and potentially view certificates, be sure to record the following details:
- Birth records
- Marriage records
- Death records
- Burial records
You can organize this information using free genealogical tools designed for this purpose. Specifically, make a record of these details using a free Pedigree chart and a Family Group Sheet. These charts help visualize family connections and consolidate information for each family unit.
By talking to your relatives, especially the older ones, and meticulously noting down or recording the information, particularly the vital records found on certificates, you lay a strong foundation for building your family history.
