Where do I start?

[CactusJack]

I'll put in another vote for older relatives. It's amazing how much you can find out about your family that you didn't know just by asking kith and kin.

That's very true, in my case it's only me and my 2 sisters so I had no choice and it's times like know when I wish my Grandmother was still around.

[gilmore]

That's very true, in my case it's only me and my 2 sisters so I had no choice and it's times like know when I wish my Grandmother was still around.

There are many online tutorials and FAQ's for doing genealogy. You might take a look at your local library for books on getting started. There are also software programs like Family Tree Maker that provide guidance.

Many people, after talking to their oldest relatives, start with the US federal census records, which are taken every 10 years. The most recent census available to the public is 1930's. The 1940 census will be available in 3 years, in 2010. It will tell you the state of birth of your ancestor listed there, so you will know where to search next. The records are available for inspection for free at federal archives. If there is not one near you, you can access them at www.ancestry.com, but it will cost a monthly subscription fee. It also has several other databases online.

[CactusJack]

There are many online tutorials and FAQ's for doing genealogy. You might take a look at your local library for books on getting started. There are also software programs like Family Tree Maker that provide guidance.

Many people, after talking to their oldest relatives, start with the US federal census records, which are taken every 10 years. The most recent census available to the public is 1930's. The 1940 census will be available in 3 years, in 2010. It will tell you the state of birth of your ancestor listed there, so you will know where to search next. The records are available for inspection for free at federal archives. If there is not one near you, you can access them at www.ancestry.com, but it will cost a monthly subscription fee. It also has several other databases online.

As I said before that's where I started and because of starting with Ancestry.com I have been connected to a cousin I never knew I had.
We have been sharing notes and info for weeks now, She satrted doing this about 20 years ago and between the two of us we have been able to trace our scottish ancestor to at least two clans, Campbelll's, Blair's and we also have many Allen's in the family as well.
It really has been a joy for me to finally find some relatives because growing up my parents and my grandmother never said much about the family.

[Shawnesse]

One of the other places you might try is the local geneological society.

I help my late mother do some of the research.