Some people think genealogy research is done only in libraries, archives and courthouses. Actually, one of the best places to go for information is our own homes or the homes of our relatives. Before tackling the resources at your local library or archives, take time to explore family Bibles, scrapbooks and photo albums. Look at your family history as a treasure hunt or a mystery.

Make your research a family project. One of the best things about genealogy is it is a hobby that the whole family may share and enjoy.

Step 1: Get organized

A pedigree chart is a form that shows the various lines of ancestors for a person. Use it as a guide to what you know and what you need to find out. A group sheet is a form that lists the details about one family. It lists parents, children, important dates and locations, and the children's spouses. Locations should include locality, county, state and country. Make folders for each family you're researching. Print a checklist of all the sources you need to check for each family. A research log or calendar can help keep your family history research on track.

Step 2: Read, read, read...

Select a book on genealogy that explains how to research families in the United States. You can explore Canadian, Mexican or overseas ancestors at a later time. Your local library or bookstore will have several titles to choose from.

Step 3: Do your homework

See how much of the pedigree charts and group sheets you can fill out by using sources you find at home. The best home sources are parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives. Ask for the full names of relatives, including any nicknames, along with dates and locations for births, marriages and deaths. Try to make a copy of any documents, sources of information or photographs that they may share, such as:
1. Journals/diaries
2. Letters
3. Scrapbooks
4. Newspaper clippings
5. Announcements
6. School records
7. Family Bibles
8. Baby books
9. Medical records
10. Photo albums
11. Certificates
12. Church records
13. Memorial cards
14. Family traditions
15. Autograph books
16. Other family books

Step 4: Oral histories

Interview relatives and others who lived in their communities. It is a good idea to tape record your family interviews because you will be able to replay them and pick up new bits of information each time you listen. Remember to get permission before recording your interviews. Try to obtain personal memories and tales of the other relatives they knew while growing up.

Step 5: Plan a detailed search strategy

Make sure your research is organized. Use your pedigree chart to focus on a particular individual. You can't search for all of your ancestors at the same time. When requesting information by mail, always include a large self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) with your request and offer to pay for copying and mailing costs. If someone sends you information, send him or her a thank you along with stamps to cover postage.

Step 6: Census Records

Search U.S. and Canadian census records using the Soundex and printed census indexes or using AncestryPlus, which is available at all Michigan libraries, or HeritageQuest, which is available at the Library of Michigan and some other libraries in Michigan. Look at the original record to find additional information. Examine state census records when available.

Step 7: Search for vital records

Vital records (birth, marriage and death) are located at the Vital Records Division of the Michigan Department of Community Health or at county courthouses. The Library of Michigan and the State Archives have some vital records for Michigan. Library staff members can assist you in locating vital records from other states or countries.

Step 8: Additional sources

Search newspapers from the towns your family members lived in for birth, marriage and death announcements. City directories and genealogy and local history publications also may provide information.

Step 9: Ask for help

Librarians at the Library of Michigan are always available to assist you. Please feel free to ask for help.

Updated 02/21/2008