It's a family thing

Everyone has heard the old saying, "you can pick your friends but you can't pick your family".  A truer statement has never been uttered.  Most of us have family members they don't really like to be around.  But most people who are working on their family tree are skipping right over this valuable resource.  When I was younger, my mom was going to start a family tree.  I was about 10 or so and I didn't care.  I would tune her out when she would talk about family members I had never met.  When I was 24, she passed away.  Soon after, I decided it was my duty as the oldest to finish her work on the family tree.  But it is easier said than done.  With one living parent, and one living grand-parent, one of my best research resources is dwindling.  But I also have aunts, uncles and cousins I can turn to.  Never be afraid to ask family for information about relatives.  A typed letter can be copied many times and sent to many family members.  A short questionaire asking about parents, grandparents, and others can also be mailed to many family members.  Until next time.

Keep branching out.

Just when I get out, they pull me back in!

If you have been working on your family tree for any amount of time, I dare you to walk away from it for a week.  In many cases it can't be done.  Oh, I can move from working on one person, or one branch, but it seems like everyday I have to do something on it.  I guess I'm hooked.  For some people it can be a part time hobby, but for me it's like a full time job (but with no pay).  I'm always trying to find new sources of information.  One of my favorites is familysearch.org.  It is run by the Mormon church and they have tons of records both from the USA and other countries.  For my husband's side of the family, I have seem lots of records from Texas.  My side has been a bit harder to find records for, because not all states are as open with their records.  But they do have lots of US census records extracted, and some you can view on site.  You will need to register for free, but it really is worth it!  You can print and even save to your computer.  Plus if you have the time, they are always looking for volunteers to index records from home to their database.  Sounds like a wonderful way to give back!  Until next time.

Keep branching out!

Next stop...the New World!

In a way all our American families were immigrants at some point.  Some can during the current generation.  But many can as far back as the Mayflower.  Tracking these family members can be a daunting task.  If women can using their maiden name and you don't know what that is, you going to have your work cut out for you.  If you ancestor came through Ellis Island, they have a website where you can search for free.  ellisiland.com is a wonderful website where you can search by name.  If you find your ancestor, you can view the original ship manifest, a text version (but you get more information from the original), and an image of the ship you family member sailed on.  One thing to keep in mind, you can't print anything but the passenger record.  You can order prints of the manifest and photo of the ship.  Until next time.

Keep branching out!

Finding a tree while cutting down a forest

If you have spent any time on you family tree, you know there is a lot of information that can be found online.  From birth records to the census, it's all a matter of knowing where to look.  But while a lot can be found online and saved on your computer, genealogy is at it's core a paper chase.  Having a paper copy of the information you have found is always a good idea.  Keeping track of correspondence with different agencies, copies of photos, and census extracts are all good things to have on paper.  I'm not saying they can't be kept on your computer, but a file of paper copies is never a bad idea.  If you keep most of you information on computer, back up you files.  By using a flash drive, zip drive or external hard drive, you can prevent disappointment if something happens to your computer.  If you have the room in you home, a paper copy of everything is wonderful idea!  Until next time.

Keep branching out!

Getting Started...it's easier than you think!

For some people the idea of working on their family tree is overwhelming.  Where do I start, you might be thinking.  I highly recomend signing up with ancestry.com.  You can build your family tree for free and they offer hints on members of your tree.  You will need to have a paid subscription to view the records, but they will give you a place to start looking.  When you start your tree, always strart with yourself.  You will be your "home person".  Even if you have kids, start with yourself.  Then build out.  Add your mom and dad, an their parents.  Add everything you know.  I also recomend add all your family tree information to a family tree program that is stored on your computer.  There are many out there, some are free downloads and some you have to pay for.  Another must is to do your own research.  Just because you find something online DON'T take it for the truth.  Always look for documents to verify everything.  Until next time.

Welcome to my new blog!

Welcome to my new blog, "Branching out the Family Tree".  If you have just started you family tree or have been working on it for years, everyone needs help once in a while.  I will offer tips I've learned along the way and guide you to websites, books and other resources that are big helpers.  Welcome aboard!!