Mid-March in New England often turns people’s thoughts toward heritage. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations remind many families of ancestors who crossed the Atlantic, and plenty of others start wondering about their own family stories, whether those roots lead to Ireland, Italy, Cape Verde, Haiti, China, Puerto Rico, Vietnam, or right here in Massachusetts.
Genealogy, the study of family history, can sound intimidating. It does not have to be. With a library card, a notebook, and some patient detective work, anyone can start uncovering their family’s story. This guide walks through the basics.
Start With What You Know
The golden rule of genealogy is to begin with yourself and work backward, one generation at a time. Do not jump straight to a famous ancestor or a distant relative you heard about once. Build a solid foundation first.
On a sheet of paper or a simple family tree chart, write down:
- Your full name, birth date, and birthplace
- Your parents’ full names, including maiden names, birth dates, and birthplaces
- Your grandparents’ information, as much as you know
- Marriage dates and places
- Death dates and places for relatives who have passed
Leave blanks where you are unsure. Those blanks become your research questions.
Talk to Your Relatives
Family members are often the richest source of information, and sometimes the most time-sensitive. Older relatives may remember names, places, and stories that are not written down anywhere.
Some good questions to ask:
- “Where did your parents and grandparents grow up?”
- “Do you remember any stories about how our family came to this area?”
- “What jobs did people in our family have?”
- “Are there any old letters, photos, or documents in the family?”
- “Were there nicknames or different spellings of our last name?”
Take notes, and ask before recording a conversation. Be patient and kind; some family memories involve loss or hardship. Let people share what they are comfortable sharing.
Search the House
Before heading to the library, look around at home. Family papers often hide in boxes, drawers, and attics. Useful items include:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Old photographs, especially with names or dates written on the back
- Family Bibles or prayer books with handwritten records
- Letters and postcards
- Military discharge papers
- Immigration or naturalization documents
- Funeral cards and obituaries
- School report cards and yearbooks
Handle old items gently. Store photos and documents flat in folders, away from heat and moisture, and avoid tape or glue.
What the Library Can Offer
Public libraries are a genealogist’s best friend. Many offer free access to resources that would otherwise cost money. Ask a librarian about:
- Genealogy databases: Many libraries provide free in-library or at-home access to popular genealogy research websites with a library card.
- Historic newspapers: Obituaries, wedding announcements, and local news can fill in details.
- City directories: These list residents, addresses, and occupations year by year.
- Census records: Federal census records are released to the public after 72 years and offer snapshots of households over time.
- Local history collections: Books, maps, and photographs about your town or neighborhood.
- Classes or help sessions: Some libraries offer beginner genealogy workshops.
Librarians are skilled researchers. Bring your family tree and a specific question, such as, “I’m looking for my great-grandmother’s arrival in Boston around 1910. Where should I look?”
Other Free and Low-Cost Resources
Beyond the library, several kinds of resources can help:
- Free genealogy websites that host transcribed records and family trees
- State and municipal vital records offices, which hold birth, marriage, and death records
- Historical societies and town archives
- Religious congregations, which may have baptism, marriage, and burial records
- Cemetery records and burial grounds
Some records have privacy rules or fees. Check official websites for current access policies.
Keep Careful Records
Genealogy can get confusing fast, especially with common names. Good habits from the start save headaches later:
- Write down the source of every fact: what document, where you found it, and when.
- Keep copies or photos of documents.
- Note different spellings of names, which were common in old records.
- Separate confirmed facts from family stories you have not yet verified.
- Use a consistent date format, such as day, month spelled out, and year.
Be Prepared for Surprises
Family history research sometimes uncovers unexpected information: a different birthplace than the family believed, an earlier marriage, an adoption, or a difficult chapter. Approach discoveries with care and compassion. Consider how sharing information might affect living relatives, and respect their privacy.
Make It a Shared Project
Genealogy is even more rewarding with others. A few ideas:
- Work on your family tree with children or grandchildren as a school-year or vacation project.
- Start a small genealogy circle with neighbors who meet monthly at the library to share tips.
- Create a family history booklet with photos and stories to share at a reunion.
- Record a relative telling a favorite family story and save it for future generations.
Beginner’s Checklist
- Fill out what you know on a family tree chart.
- Interview relatives, especially older ones.
- Gather documents and photos from home.
- Visit the library and ask about genealogy resources.
- Record sources for every fact.
- Share what you learn with family.
Quick check: What is the recommended way to begin a family history search?
- Start with yourself and work backward one generation at a time
- Start with the oldest ancestor you have heard of
- Start by buying a DNA test before talking to anyone
Show answer
A. Building from what you know keeps your research accurate and helps you find reliable connections to earlier generations.
