Getting Started

When working on your genealogy, here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind:

• Start with the known: Begin with yourself, getting your birth certificate and other records. Then get the records of your parents, and so on, backwards.
  
  
• Write everything down: You can start with a simple spiral notebook, but you'll want to have one place where you keep all of your information.
  
  
• Write dates in a standardized format: Write dates as 23 Feb 1890. This will leave no question as to year, month, and day of any event.
  
  
• Always use a pencil: When writing in your notebook, or filling out a pedigree chart or family group sheet, use a pencil. This will allow you to make changes and corrections as you find new information.
  
  
• Keep a research log: You can use a pre-formatted form, a computer, or another spiral notebook, but it's important to list every resource you have checked and the information you did and did not find.