skeletons in the closet
DESCRIPTION
About starting basic genealogy, how we can find skeletons in the closet. The person that you thought was your aunt or uncle, really isn't any kin to you. But has been in the family so long and maybe lived with a long lost relative, they became of member of your family. Beginning genealogy using databases and archives as well as family bibles and oral historyTRANSCRIPT
Belk Library’s Workshops for Elon Faculty/Staff
Presented by Randall Bowman and Jamane Yeager
Summer 2012
Skeletons in the Closet: Genealogy for Beginners
What is genealogy? Why do it?
How do I get started?
What do I need to have as I get started?
What should I look for?
Where do I look?
Today’s presentation
Genealogy is the study of families and their lineages.
Oral traditions—”family stories”—can often be a good starting point.
Genealogy involves research in historical records and documents. You will want to document and verify as many facts as possible.
What is genealogy?
Many people become interested in their ancestors—including celebrities on “Who Do You Think You Are?”
Why do it?
Remember to work backwards! Start with yourself.
Write down what you remember about family
Record findings – keep a log
Look for documents at home Family Bibles, pictures, documents, heirlooms, etc.
Talk to family members
Begin searching for records online
Construct a family tree—buy software in store or download
How do I get started?
Names of family members
When they lived
Where they lived – either to locate through census records, or to know what city may have records
Types of records you might look for—see Historical Documents handout
What you need to have as you start
Databases from Belk Library
Ancestry Library (same as Ancestry.com)
HeritageQuest
Some really useful websites (there are thousands!)
FamilySearch.org (LDS church)
Archives.gov (National Archives and Records Administration) New: Fold3 for United States Military and related records
Cyndi’s List.com
Where do I look online?
Libraries, archives, sometimes museums
County courthouses and city municipal offices
Private collections—family members?
LDS FamilySearch Centers
Remember that genealogy takes time, and may involve travel and expenses (gas, lodging, copier fees, etc.)
Where do I look for records?
Some people may find it difficult to find information on their families
Census records only list head of household prior to 1850
Spelling often inconsistent - Soundex can help
African and Native Americans
Recent immigrants
Adoptees
Challenges
Randall’s Ancestors
Jamane’s Ancestor
Feel free to contact us if you have questions later
Randall BowmanReference/Instruction Librarian Ext. 6571 [email protected]
Jamane YeagerReference/Electronic Resources LibrarianExt. [email protected]
Questions?