You have searched your resources we suggested in the first part of our blog on beginning genealogy. Now that you have all this current information on yourself, parents and grandparents, where do you go from here?? I am sure you have lots of papers, notes to yourself, but how do you organize it?
There are many software programs that you can use for inputting your information. Most are not terribly expensive and fairly easy to navigate. RootsMagic, Legacy Family Tree are some options, and some have free trial versions. These programs allow you to build a family tree, record your information, document your resources, print out charts and reports, share your information with family members, export information to other genealogy programs, use more than one database to document multiple family trees, and more. There are pros and cons to all of the programs. It is wise to research each one and see what other people prefer and why they prefer it. Then decide which one works best for you. But what if you don’t want to use a computer and would rather use handwritten or typed trees and forms?
There are many websites and libraries that offer free genealogy forms which you can then copy and input your information. Midwest Genealogy Center in Kansas City, Missouri, has many blank forms (some on their website), as does National Archives, Ancestry.com and many more. There are some forms for sale that are very specific for different census years, graveyard information, land records, etc.
You have your information and your forms or software, now is the time to start using online resources and records. One of the first you will probably use is Ancestry.com. Ancestry is one of the largest for-profit genealogy companies. Subscriptions vary depending on how much of the site you wish to use. The site has thousands and thousands of records from all over the world.
There is also a library edition that many libraries subscribe to which library card holders can use for free. Ancestry allows you to search their records, create a family tree, attach records to people in your tree, etc. Ancestry also provides you with hints of other records that may relate to a person in your tree. You will also be able to connect with others pursuing the same family line. Ancestry has DNA tracing capability for a fee which gives you many connections with others searching the same line and may be related to you. Some of the software packages, like RootsMagic, can sync with Ancestry to share your tree information.
Another popular website you will probably use is FamilySearch. FamilySearch is a nonprofit organization offering genealogical records. It is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. FamilySearch has a collection of records, resources, and services designed to help people learn more about their family history. FamilySearch is free to use, you just have to create a free account.
We are off and running. We’ll discuss more in our next installment. Stay tuned. Happy researching!
FamilyFinders