We left off at "start from the very beginning." "So, now what do I do, Miele?" Well, that depends on what you want to do. Do you want to keep a digital record or do you prefer keeping this all on paper in a binder. (psst...you likely want to go digital.) Easiest thing to do is to go to Ancestry.com or to familysearch.org and take a look at what each has to offer. Let's talk websites, shall we? Ancestry.com is probably the main genealogical website you've heard of. They're the largest and best advertised one out there. They're international--Ancestry mirror sites exist in Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Australia...etc, each highlighting information specific to those nations. You can begin a family tree for free on Ancestry. Which is a great way to begin. BUT (as I mentioned in a previous post) in order to actually research your family and connect the records you find to your family tree, you have to pay up. And it isn't cheap.
So, you've decided to put together your family tree. Where DO you start? Here is the absolute best advice I can give: Start with yourself and work your way back. Either start a word processing document or break out some paper and pencils. Write basics about yourself: Name, place of birth, date of birth, your parents' names--including your mother's maiden name. Once you do this, start another page, this time one for each of your parents. Start these by writing what you know: Full name, birth date, place of birth, their parents' names. Keep working your way back while repeating this process. You can fill out sheets for your spouse, your own children, your siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. Are your parents still alive? Are your grandparents? Your great grandparents? Ask questions! Write down or record the answers. Invest in either a digital voice recorder, or open up the voice recording app on your phone and start interviewing your relatives. Have them re