How To Start Your Family History

Posted by admin on Jan 10, 2014

So you have decided to start your family history. Good idea!

The first task is to collect basic information about your close family members.

Ask your relatives about names, dates and places, photograph or scan family pictures and papers, and search online databases.


1 – Ask your relatives about names, dates and places

This first step is very important and fruitful. Ask your parents, your grandparents, your uncles and aunts… They will give you clues for further research. But most of all, ask them about their lives and take notes. That’s how you will start your family history.

Then, try to reach extended family members as they can also have some information and material about your family history.

You can now create your family tree on GeneaNet.

2 – Photograph or scan family pictures and papers

First, search search the attic or garage of your family members for old pictures and papers. You will be amazed at what you can find in a shoebox!

Then, ask your extended family members as pictures and papers may have scattered over the years.

Take a copy of every picture and document!.

3 – Organize your genealogy research.

Now, all of these pictures and documents must be sorted and recorded.

Be sure to note the source of every document.

GeneaNet can help you organize your family pictures and archival records!

Create your own online photo album on GeneaNet.
Upload and share archival records on GeneaNet.

4 – Search online databases.

Don’t hesitate to search the Internet for your ancestors. You can Google them but you can also search some genealogy databases like GeneaNet.

You can find information in old books and newspapers, and if you are lucky, you can also find family tree branches and contact their owner.

It is very important to check every information!

Search your ancestors on GeneaNet.
Automatically match all individuals in your family tree with the GeneaNet database.

These tasks are often overlooked but they are essential for starting your family history.

5 comments

Anonymous user
6/5/15

Not sure but I think this website might be a scam. Nothing here. Better looking on Family Search. At least its free and you find something. Here nothing at all. Sad.


Anonymous user
6/4/15

Not sure but I think this website might be a scam. Nothing here. Better looking on Family Search. At least its free and you find something. Here nothing at all. Sad.


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