Where Do I Start?

Where Do I Start?

If you’ve ever thought about diving into genealogy, you’ve probably asked yourself: Where do I even start?

In my blog “Why Genealogy”, I shared that my journey began with a simple family tree my mother started. That gave me a head start—but most people I work with believe they’re starting from scratch. The truth is, you may already have more information than you think—you just might not know how to organize it.

💡 Fun Fact: I like to joke that I could start a family tree just using someone’s Facebook page!

The Emotional Side of Getting Started

In my experience, the biggest challenges aren’t about facts—they’re about feelings. This is your “why.”
If there’s uncertainty about birth parents, an “unsavory” uncle, or whispers of deep family secrets, emotions can become roadblocks.

Guidelines to Keep in Mind

📌 1. Respect hesitation.
Family members may have valid reasons for avoiding this path. That doesn’t mean your research stops—it just means you may need to proceed more sensitively or work with a trusted third party for confidentiality.

📌 2. Accept that genealogy isn’t for everyone.
Some people are content with what they know. That’s okay. Surround yourself with like-minded people and genealogy groups so you’re not walking this road alone.

📌 3. Prepare for surprises.
You may uncover stories that aren’t flattering. Handle them with grace and empathy.

📌 4. Avoid judging the past by today’s standards.
What was acceptable in the 1700s may surprise or shock us now. This perspective helps when you discover, for example, an ancestor who married at 16.

💡 Pro Tip: Emotional readiness is just as important as research skills—don’t skip this step.

The Practical Side of Getting Started

Once you’ve tackled the emotional side, it’s time to roll up your sleeves.

Step 1: Start with what you know

Write down names, places, dates, and family stories. If someone in your family was born before 1950, there’s a good chance they’re in U.S. Census records.

⚠ Note: Oral history is valuable, but always verify it with documents.

Step 2: Create a plan of action

Decide:

• When will you begin?

• Which family line will you focus on?

• How much time can you commit?

• Which tools and methods will you use?

📌 Pro Tip: A plan helps you stay motivated and avoid burnout.

Step 3: Learn best practices & explore tools

Professional genealogy organizations offer excellent research guides. Online tools can save time—just be mindful of your budget. Choose the tools that best fit your needs.

(I’ll be sharing my favorite research tools in an upcoming blog post!)

Step 4: Don’t reinvent the wheel

Look for research that’s already been done, validate it, and incorporate what’s accurate into your work.

Final Thoughts

Starting your genealogy journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right mindset and a clear plan, it’s one of the most rewarding adventures you’ll ever take.

💬 Need help? Contact me—I’d be glad to walk through your starting point with you.