1185 Concord St. N. Suite 218
South St. Paul, MN 55075-1187
(651) 455-9057
mngs.org
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Minnesota Genealogical Society
1185 Concord St. N. Suite 218 South St. Paul, MN 55075-1187 (651) 455-9057 mngs.org |
How To Begin Tracing Your Family TreeDelving into family history has become a very popular pursuit all over the world. The beginning steps are the same for most nationalities. Don't try to "cross the ocean" until you've done all of the United States part of the searching. The first step is to visit your public library and read one or more books on the subject of tracing your family tree. Attend a class in beginning genealogy offered at the Minnesota Genealogical Society, at a local college, or in the community education system.Join a genealogical society, whether it be local, state, or outside your own state in an area where you have roots. The Minnesota Genealogical Society has many active branch groups that concentrate on a specific ethnic heritage or geographical region. Most genealogy societies have educational meetings and publications for their members that contain all sorts of tips to help you in your research. You'll also discover that other genealogists are very willing to lend a helping hand. Start searching at home for the information you already have. This includes family bibles; old pictures; letters; newspaper clippings; baptismal records; birth, death, and marriage certificates; baby and wedding albums; diaries, scrapbooks; and anything else containing names, dates, places, and other clues. Write down the information you find on ancestor or family group charts specially designed for recording these details. Next, interview relatives in person or by mail. But, please, only a few questions at a time! Write down everything you find or hear, and make a note of the source. Don't trust your memory! Once you have thoroughly exhausted all these home sources you can begin your research of outside resources. These will include courthouses, libraries, historical societies, cemeteries, churches, archives, funeral homes, and even a trip to the old hometown. To make all the names, dates, and places more real you may wish to gather historical background on the times in which your ancestor lived. The Minnesota Historical Society is a wonderful resource. Your family's oral history will also bring "life" to your ancestors. Record the stories before they're lost for all time. Don't stop with just your own ancestors -- branch out. You may meet some interesting folks and find helpful records among the descendants of your great-grandpa's brothers and sisters. Keep your materials organized and don't forget to frequently refer back to the "how to... books you read at the beginning of your search. A genealogist never stops learning. There are always new ideas, new sources, and (best of all) new rewards. Share your findings with your family and record them for future generations. One of the most important reminders is to always include an SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope) when writing to any person or society for information. It is a courtesy that may help you to get an answer. Be patient. Sometimes an answer to a long-forgotten inquiry arrives months (or even years!) later. Have fun searching for your ancestors and learning about your own special heritage. Your own life will be much richer from the experience. And ... please come and visit us at the Minnesota Genealogical Society's Library (call for our hours) or write to us and ask for membership information. |
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MGS Resources • Catholic Churches in Minnesota • Genealogy Tools • Historical and Genealogical Societies • How To Begin Tracing Your Family Tree • How To Transcribe A Cemetery • Independent Researchers • Lost Minnesota Photographs • MGS Quarterly Meetings • Minnesota Cemetery Project • Minnesota Resources by County • Selected Research Facilities • Speakers • Surnames Being Researched |
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