Ancestry.com What there is on the site What is pay to view What is free

What do you have to pay for? If you come to the library it is all FREE! At home most of it you will have to pay for.

Free Sites (samples of some) Remember: Everything is free at the library! American Biographical Library 1880 United States Federal Census Ancestry World Tree Ancestry.com Message Boards Ancestry.com Research Registry Biographical Directory of the American Congress

Cookie crumbs You can back track each step View Census See the actual census Save for future reference

Getting Started & Treasures in the Attic Step 1 & 2 Fewer hobbies anywhere offer the reward of genealogy. This hobby can and will take you on a journey of discovery of your ancestors and their lives. This journey can: Take you to places you have never been Learn who you ancestors really were and their personalities Every journey begins with a single step. This first step is you! We will discuss some of the areas that you can collect and things you can do to start on this journey.

Living Sources step 3 For Centuries, genealogy was an oral tradition. There was a least one person who had the responsibility to memorize the genealogy. Today in some cultures they may still memorize. However, it seems as though one person in a family is the gatekeeper or flame keeper. This person is perhaps the best one to contact in gaining information.

Library Research & At the Library Steps 4 & 5 What preparations should you make before leaving your home, and what should you look for once you arrive at the library. 1.You could make a list of all research centers and libraries near you 1.Public libraries 2.Family history library 3.Local historical societies 4.Genealogical societies 5.College libraries

Primary & Secondary Sources Steps 6 & 7 Primary Sources (Original) – is a record of an event written, spoken or photographed by an eyewitness or that event at or near the time of the event. Recorded by someone with firsthand knowledge of the facts. Secondary source (copied) – is written record of the event that was created long after the event occurred. Usually by someone not directly associated with the event.

Census Records Step 8 First census was taken 1790 then every 10 years since. Webster’s dictionary states that a census is “a periodic governmental enumeration of a population.”

Immigration Records “Give me your tired!” Step 9 Nearly every American can trace their ancestors to a foreign land Between 1607 to the present 35 to 50 million have entered the this country Most entered through the US ports: Baltimore,Boston, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, Minor ports, If they entered legally there should be a paper trail

Naturalization Records Step 10 The Federal Government has a form for everything. While these forms contain a lot of different information, there is a lot of information that is very valuable to the genealogist. These records were not intended for genealogy purposes, but what a great benefit they are.

Identify the individual Branch of military they were in Determine which war they were in Watch for other items in the photos such as: uniform, clothing style, others in photo or objects to identify the time period Look for patches, medals which could represent the rank of the individual Any clues could be helpful in finding the military records of your ancestors Military Records Step 11

Land Records They can be plentiful, accessible, easy to use, informative and interesting. There are 5 steps: –Identify the individual –Determine if they owned land and where –What types of records exist –Use the records and crank the machines –Evaluate the data

Wills & Probates Step 13 Probate records are useful in your search for ancestors 1.1 st they relate information already gathered 2.They are legal documents and are reliable information as long as you interpret it correctly 3.Wills are the most common form of records 4.They furnish you with relationships 5.They give you glimpses into the persons life, family secrets, household items, and feelings about family members

Court Records Step 14 Naturalization & Probate Adoption Bankruptcy Civil proceedings Criminal proceedings Divorce Guardianships Mortgage Property disputes

Unusual Record Sources Step 15 Need to fully examine the ancestral paper trail Tracking down any information that could solve the dead ends Help build a thorough life history

Online Research Step 17 Nothing has revolutionized genealogy like the internet. It has it’s pitfalls. Often lacks the proof needed to make sound conclusions. Internet is not a shortcut for sound research. Use the same guidelines that apply to paper and pencil research when using the internet. 6 steps to online research.

Family quilts Family Photos and Art Family Area Family Cookbooks Family Traditions Cemeteries Interviews Family Trips Family Reunions Family Associations Family Web Sites Family History Books Adding life to Family History There are many ways to share Step 18

The End For questions or help call: Cathie Owens or