Have Your Say

Think of your home as a potential goldmine of family history. Seriously! You might be surprised at what you already have. Let's take a look around, shall we?

Inherited Treasures
Did your Aunt Susan leave you a box of old photos? What about Grandma's recipe book or your grandfather's war medals? These aren't just cool keepsakes; they're clues! Photos can reveal faces and fashion trends. Recipe books can tell you about family traditions and even regional origins. Medals? Well, those can open up a whole new world of military records and stories.

The Stories You Grew Up With
Remember those bedtime stories your parents or grandparents told you? Those tales of adventurous ancestors, quirky relatives, or family triumphs? Jot them down! Family stories, or "family lore," can be a goldmine. They often contain kernels of truth, even if they've been embellished over time. These stories can point you in the right direction.

Ask, Ask, Ask!
Don't be shy about asking your living relatives about their memories. They might have details you never knew, or they might have documents or photos that you don't have.

Validating the Lore
Now, here's a key point. Family stories are fantastic, but they're not always 100% accurate. That's where your detective work comes in. You'll need to cross-reference the stories with official records. This is where you can start searching for:

• Birth Certificates: Confirm birth dates and locations.
• Marriage Certificates: Discover when and where your ancestors tied the knot.
• Death Certificates: Learn about the cause of death and where they were laid to rest.
• Census Records: These are gold! They provide names, ages, relationships, and sometimes even occupations and places of birth.

Starting your genealogy journey is about taking the information you already have and building from there. Your home, your memories, and your living relatives are your best initial resources. So, start exploring, start asking questions, and get ready for an exciting adventure into your past!