Image by Mikey G Ottawa via Flickr

Fascinating tales of the past from around the world fill countless books and capture our imaginations. How many tales could you tell just by delving into your own family’s history? The study of family history, or, genealogy, is a tradition that goes back centuries, and it’s uncovering stories of your own history that make it an exciting family adventure.

Genealogy 101

The easiest way to begin your own genealogy is to start with a basic family tree, or, pedigree chart. Starting with you, write in all the names of your relatives that you can remember. Whether you start exploring your father’s side of the tree or your mother’s is up to you; but after you’ve filled in what you know, it’s time to find out what you don’t. Take a look at all the ways you can flesh out your own family’s story:

1. Talk to relatives. Family members can be great resources for genealogical information. Your cousin may know names you don’t, and your great-grandfather may have fascinating stories to share. Bring a tape recorder and a notepad and interview your family members.
2. Look through your home. Marriage and birth certificates, obituaries, family bibles, old photographs—anything that can provide names, places, and dates will help you delve deeper into your familial past.
3. Take it online. Online you’ll find extensive genealogy databases where you can search for family names and records.
4. Use software. Genealogy software will help you keep track of and organize all your information.

So, are you related to someone famous? Was a relative a witness to a historical event? You’ll never know until you begin your family’s story