Finding your family history can be both fun and informative. The stories you uncover can bring you closer both to your family and to history. Family histories are brim full of interesting stories to entertain your friends, family and acquaintances, and genealogy research really only needs an investment of time, as there are many free resources available to you.

Talk to Your Family

First, it is important to talk to your family members about any information they have about your family history. Many times, someone will have kept an old family bible or record that includes the names of many of your ancestors. Sometimes, this can be the best route in finding your heritage, for as you go further back in time, there are less and less records determining one's identity and lineage. Older relatives might be able to provide the names of those who have passed on, or the areas that your family lived in. Ask for the phone numbers and addresses of distant relatives and begin your search.

The Internet

The Internet is an excellent resource for anyone trying to find out more about their family history. Familysearch.org, a service provided by the Church of Latter Day Saints, provides a search engine, with both basic and advanced options, that searches online birth, death, marriage, census and other records. The site also has many articles, guidance and a family history library. Familyhistory.com offers similar services and a search engine. The site is in collaboration with the Federation of Genealogical Societies and lists local genealogical societies, events and meet-ups. They also allow you to search genealogical databases by state. Myheritage.com has a very comprehensive search engine, which allows you to choose how the engine searches for your name: either exactly or using Megadex technology, for alternatives as well. The site also uses face recognition technology using photos you and other users have uploaded to the site. You are also able to create a personal family tree on the site.

Genealogical Societies

There are many different genealogical societies throughout the world. Joining these societies or connecting with them gives you the chance to talk with other avid genealogical researchers and share tips and hints as to how to best go about your family history search. These societies can also give you access to many different databases, as well. There are a number of alliances of these societies, such as: Federation of Family History Societies (UK), National Genealogical Society (U.S.), or family-based societies like the Brown Family Genealogical Society.

Source:

MyHeritage.com

FamilyHistory.com

FamilySearch.org