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.
As of today, July 8, 2018, a basic 6 month domestic (United States) membership costs $99. For one year, $189. That is just for US records. If you have an immigrant family (like my husband's or mine) and you want to access records from other countries, a 6 month International plan costs $149 and one year will cost you $299. THEN there's the ALL ACCESS plan--costs a bit more, but it includes access to Newspapers.com AND Fold3.com (military records--which, honestly, you can find on ancestry anyway). You can do a month to month plan (roughly $20 a month for the domestic plan, $35 a month for international, and $45 a month for full access), but it will cost more in the long run if you do it for more than a couple months. Ancestry does offer some extra perks-Ancestry Academy is included with a subscription. Ancestry Academy offers videos that can help you on this whole family tree journey. Topics include "beginning your family tree," "Irish Ancestry," "DNA Testing," "Military Records," and "Census Records," just to name a few. There are how-to videos and things that are a bit more in depth on a given topic. It's pretty useful for those who are just starting out.
You can also consider looking at FamilySearch.org. What is that, you ask? Family Search is free.
It is a service offered by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon church).
You can sign up for free--you give basic information, your name, email address, etc. And you have access to a free online family tree. You can connect research done at FamilySearch.org to this tree. Now, Family Search is fantastic and the records are diverse. You can also find many of the same records at Family Search for free that you'd find on Ancestry...but (yes, there is always a BUT) as of late, the records are limited...and you have to be willing to really look. If you know the basic region, you can look for available digital records for that region and start digging. Some records are readily available and indexed. Sometimes, you will need to pore through hundreds of digital images to find what you are looking for. Other records are only available to view and print at LDS Family Research centers--which can likely be found near you. Look for your local LDS family research center online. They are often found at a local LDS church. The fees are reasonable and the staff is trained and knowledgeable. You do not have to be Mormon to access most records. There are some records that are strictly limited to members of the Mormon Church.
It is a service offered by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon church).
You can sign up for free--you give basic information, your name, email address, etc. And you have access to a free online family tree. You can connect research done at FamilySearch.org to this tree. Now, Family Search is fantastic and the records are diverse. You can also find many of the same records at Family Search for free that you'd find on Ancestry...but (yes, there is always a BUT) as of late, the records are limited...and you have to be willing to really look. If you know the basic region, you can look for available digital records for that region and start digging. Some records are readily available and indexed. Sometimes, you will need to pore through hundreds of digital images to find what you are looking for. Other records are only available to view and print at LDS Family Research centers--which can likely be found near you. Look for your local LDS family research center online. They are often found at a local LDS church. The fees are reasonable and the staff is trained and knowledgeable. You do not have to be Mormon to access most records. There are some records that are strictly limited to members of the Mormon Church.
There are a number of other sites out there offering family trees or services comparable to those offered by Family Search and Ancestry. Personally, I think these two are the better options.
I've had a subscription to Ancestry.com for well over a decade. It's been worth every penny to me.
I will offer some more information on using Ancestry soon.
I've had a subscription to Ancestry.com for well over a decade. It's been worth every penny to me.
I will offer some more information on using Ancestry soon.
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