[Birddog]

Well the "bucket shops" thread really got things going. I have wanted to trace my genealogy for some time, just haven't gotten around to it. My main question is, are these sites like genealogy.com, ancestry.com and what-not good ways to start, or are they similiar to the bucket shops? I have seen a hundred links to different sites, and don't want to sink into the internet abyss. Thanks to everyone who set me on the proper road.

[pdcorlis]

Both good places to start - I'd add www.familysearch.org as well.

[Birddog]

By the way, I would be more than happy to find I can trace my line directly to some potato farmer on a tenent farm, and not to the O'Driscolls who were kings of Corca Laoighde. Guess it's time to retire my coffee mug with "my" COA on it!

[McFarkus]

If no one else in your family has done genealogy work, I'd start by talking with your oldest living relatives in each line and getting their memories of people. That's usually a good start.

I would add Rootsweb.com as a resource. It's a free site and people post their trees there for others to share.

I was lucky. I was able to find at least one person who had done work on the lines represented by each of my grandparents. So, I was able to begin my own work in the 18th century or earlier.

[cajunscot]

Visit your local public library. Most libraries will have a local history & genealogy section. Many offer free courses, usually in conjunction with a local genealogical society, in how to trace your ancestors. Your local genealogical society may also have a library (usually for members) with resources.

While the online sites are easy and available, I wouldn't become to dependent on them. Verify your sources and document, document, document. Genealogists are generally very friendly people, but do not suffer fools. (not meaning that towards you, but in general) As MacFarkus mentioned, talk to relatives -- they may already have information you might not know about. Always start with yourself and work back.

The Internet has certainly made genealogical research easier in some regards, especially in terms of networking, but most of the work is still found "in the trenches" -- dusty archives, information files, microfilm -- it can be tedious and frustrating, but rewarding as well. Don't be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get dirty!

Regards,

Todd

[sharpdressedscot]

You can also tryhttp://www.ancestry.com, but sometimes they are of no help. Good luck!

[davedove]

Originally Posted by McFarkus

If no one else in your family has done genealogy work, I'd start by talking with your oldest living relatives in each line and getting their memories of people. That's usually a good start.

Correct, your own family is the best place to start, and not just the oldest ones.

Just be careful of "family legends" as these can sometimes be the result of generations of rumor and wishful thinking.

Step 1: Get all of your own information together and documented.
Step 2: Do the same for you parents. Be sure to include information on siblings, as this can guide you in new and exciting directions.
Step 3: Do you grandparents.
etc.

[pdcorlis]

Agreed Todd -

Some sites are a real treasure - allowing you to view original census and other digitized records via the web but the real value of the internet may be connecting to others who has already done some of the heavy lifting for you. Thanks to the work of others I was able trace my father's paternal line back to the 1600's in under a month.

But - you must check and re-check all the work!

Cheers

Phil

Be wary of family trees already posted on the genealogy sites as they can be FULL of errors. Many post info that they have not gotten from original or verifiable sources. A good investment is gen software when you begin. Don't post or send trees to others with data on living persons.

[Phil]

As others have said, ask members of your family first, particularly the older ones. The main thing to remember though is never take anything for granted and only believe what you can verify from documentation. Peoples memories play tricks and you find, like I did, that you find the truth is usually very different so just use what they say as a guide. Also try and copy any birth/marriage certificates they have and any family bibles. Good luck.