Tracing your family tree is a journey of discovery, connecting you to stories, people, and places you never knew existed. It’s a way to understand where you come from and piece together the puzzle of your own identity. But with so many records and resources scattered across the globe, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming.

We will explore a mix of powerful online platforms, essential government archives, and local treasures. You will also get actionable tips to start your research and keep your findings organized, turning a complex task into a rewarding adventure.

Starting Your Genealogy Journey: First Steps

Before you dive into a sea of records, a little preparation will make your research far more effective. The most important information comes from sources closest to you.

1. Start with What You Know

Begin by writing down everything you know about your family. Start with yourself and work backward: your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Record full names, dates of birth, marriage, and death, and the locations where these events occurred.

2. Interview Your Relatives

Your family members are living archives. Talk to older relatives like parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Ask them about their own parents and grandparents. Inquire about family stories, heirlooms, and old photographs. These conversations can provide names, dates, and locations that are important for your research. Don't forget to ask for copies of documents they may have, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, or military records.

3. Organize Your Findings

From the very beginning, establish a system for organizing your research. You can use a simple notebook, a digital spreadsheet, or specialized genealogy software. For each ancestor, create a profile where you can record their key life events. Keeping your information organized will prevent you from repeating searches and help you see where the gaps are in your knowledge.

Top Online Genealogy Platforms

Online databases have revolutionized genealogy, making billions of records accessible from your home. These platforms are often the best place to expand your research beyond what your family knows.

Ancestry.com (Paid)

Ancestry is the largest for-profit genealogy company in the world. Its massive database includes over 30 billion records from more than 80 countries. You can find census records, vital records (birth, marriage, death), military files, immigration lists, and more.

One of its most powerful features is "Ancestry Hints," which automatically suggests potential records and family connections for people in your tree. The platform also integrates with AncestryDNA, allowing you to connect your genetic information with your family tree to find new relatives and verify your research. It may require a subscription, but its extensive collection makes it an indispensable tool for many researchers.

FamilySearch.org (Free)

Operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch is the world's largest free genealogy resource. It offers billions of digitized records from around the globe, and its collection is constantly growing. You can access census data, probate records, land deeds, and much more without any subscription fees.

FamilySearch operates on a collaborative "one world tree" model, where all users work together on a single, shared family tree. This means you might find that part of your tree has already been built by a distant cousin. It’s an incredible resource, especially for beginners and those on a budget. The platform also provides free learning resources and research assistance.

MyHeritage (Paid)

MyHeritage is another major player in the online genealogy space, with a strong international focus, particularly in Europe. It boasts a large collection of historical records and, like Ancestry, offers a DNA testing service that can be integrated with your family tree.

Its unique features include "Smart Matches," which finds connections between your tree and others, and "Record Matches," which automatically locates historical records for your ancestors. MyHeritage also offers powerful photo tools, including photo colorization, enhancement, and animation, which can bring your old family pictures to life in a remarkable way.

Essential Government and Archival Resources

Government agencies and archives hold some of the most important records. These are often the original sources for the data you find on sites like Ancestry and FamilySearch.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

For those with American roots, NARA is a goldmine. It preserves and provides public access to the records of the U.S. federal government. This includes federal census records from 1790 to 1950, military service records from the Revolutionary War onward, immigration records (such as ship passenger lists), and naturalization documents. Many of NARA's most popular collections have been digitized and are available online for free.

State Archives and Libraries

Each state has its own archive and library system that holds records specific to that state's history and population. These are excellent sources for state census records, vital records, court documents, and land records. Search for "[State Name] State Archives" to find their website and explore their online collections and research guides.

Local Historical and Genealogical Societies

Don't overlook the power of local resources. Nearly every county has a historical or genealogical society staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who are experts on the area's families and history. These societies often hold unique collections that are not available anywhere else, such as local newspapers, church records, family Bibles, and unpublished manuscripts. They can be invaluable for breaking through brick walls in your research.

Lesser-Known but Valuable Resources

Beyond the major players, several other resources can provide critical clues.

Find a Grave & BillionGraves (Free)

These crowdsourced websites are dedicated to documenting and photographing headstones from cemeteries around the world. A headstone can provide birth and death dates, relationships to other family members buried nearby, and sometimes even a birthplace. Many entries include obituaries and photos contributed by volunteers. It’s a simple but surprisingly effective tool.

Chronicling America (Free)

Hosted by the Library of Congress, Chronicling America provides free access to millions of pages of historical American newspapers published between 1777 and 1963. Old newspapers are a fantastic resource for finding obituaries, marriage announcements, local news stories, and advertisements that can offer a glimpse into your ancestor's life and community.

Your Local Public Library

Many public libraries offer free access to major genealogy databases like Ancestry.com (Library Edition) and MyHeritage. Check with your local library to see what resources they provide. Librarians can also be excellent guides, pointing you toward local history collections and research materials.

Final Thoughts on Your Journey

It requires patience, critical thinking, and a willingness to follow where the records lead. Start with your immediate family, then expand your search using a combination of the powerful online platforms and invaluable archival resources listed here.

Remember to document your sources for every piece of information you add to your tree. This will help you evaluate conflicting evidence and allow future researchers to build on your work. Each record you uncover is more than a name and a date—it's a piece of a human story waiting to be told. Happy searching!