Genealogy is the study of family ancestors
with pertinent data such as birth, marriage and death dates. Family History is an in-depth study of
a family lineage with greater emphasize and clarification of each ancestor’s
life story. There is a difference between genealogy and family history, but
both are dependent to varying degrees on each other. Genealogy can be compared
to the trunk of a tree, but a rich family history truly gives the tree its
color, leaves, flowers and majestic appearance.
A good family history tells a story about an individual or a
certain family. Much can be learned by using diaries, journals, family Bibles,
newspaper articles, early family history books, letters or scrapbooks that were
created by a certain ancestor and handed down over the generations. If you've decided to
dig into your family history, but aren't sure where to begin, these five basic
steps will get you started on the fascinating journey into your past.
1.
Begin with Names-
First
names, middle names, last names, nicknames...names
often provide an important window into the past. Names in your family tree can be found by
looking at old certificates and documents, by asking your relatives, and by looking at
family photos and newspaper clippings (wedding announcements, obituaries, etc.).
Search especially for
maiden names for any female ancestors as they may help
identify the parents, taking you back a generation in the family tree. Naming patterns used in the family
may also hold a clue to previous generations. Family surnames were often adopted
as given names, as were middle names which sometimes indicate the maiden name
of a mother or grandmother.
Watch also for nicknames, as they may also
help you identify your ancestors. Expect to encounter plenty of spelling variations as name spellings
and pronunciations generally evolve over time, and the surname your family uses
now may not be the same as the one they began with. Names are also often just
written down wrong, by people who spelled phonetically, or by individuals
trying to transcribe messy handwriting for an index.
2.
Compile Vital Statistics-As you search for the
names in your family tree, you should also gather the vital statistics that go
with them. Most importantly you should look for dates and places of births,
marriages, and deaths.
Again, turn to the
papers and photos in your home for clues, and ask your relatives for any details they
can provide. If you run across conflicting accounts — two different birth dates
for great Aunt Emma, for example — just record them both until more information
comes along which helps point to one or the other.
3.
Collect Family Stories-
As
you quiz your relatives about names and dates, take time to elicit and write
down their stories as well. The 'history' in your family history begins with
these memories, helping you to really get to know the people your ancestors
were.
Among these stories,
you may learn of special family traditions or famous family legends that have
been passed down from generation to generation. While they will likely contain
some creative remembrances and embellishments, family stories generally have
some basis in fact, providing clues for further research.
4.
Select a Focus-After gathering
names, dates, and stories about your family, the next step is to choose a
specific ancestor, couple, or family
line on which to focus your search. You could choose to learn more about your
dad's parents, an ancestor you were named after, or all descendants of your
maternal grandparents.
The key here isn't
what or who you choose to study; just that it is a small enough project to be
manageable. This is especially important if you're just starting out on your
family tree quest. People who try to do it all at once tend to get bogged down
in details, often overlooking important clues to their past.
5.
Chart Your Progress-Genealogy is
basically one big puzzle. If you don't put the pieces together in just the
right way, then you'll never get to see the final picture. To make sure your
puzzle pieces end up in the proper positions pedigree charts and
family group sheets can
help you record your research data and keep track of your progress.
Genealogy software
programs
are another good option for recording your information and will allow you to
print out the data in a nice variety of chart formats. Blank genealogy
charts
can also be downloaded and printed for free from many different websites. Don't
forget to take a little time out to record what you've
looked at and what you found (or didn't find)!
“The heart and soul of genealogy is uncovering and learning the stories of our ancestors. It’s about them, but if your end goal is name or name dropping, you’re making it all about you. It’s the historical version of a selfie.” (Megan Smolenyak)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“5 First Steps to Finding Your Roots” by Kimberly Powell
·
“Think There is No Difference in Genealogy vs. Family History?” by
familytree.com
·
“What is Genealogy?” by FamilyTree.com
This post dedicated to
my wife, Bobbi, who enjoys doing this when time allows.
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