Learn How to Research Your Family Tree

The basics of family history research couldn't be made simpler than with this continuing series of beginning genealogy steps from Ancestry Magazine. Learn everything from starting with home sources to choosing the best federal and state sources to accomplish your research.

Authors Terry and Jim Willard, hosts of the first ten-part PBS "Ancestors" series, bring years of genealogical research experience to play throughout the series. Follow along as they explain the methods of family history research so that you can learn new skills or improve your established research methods.

The following articles in the series have been posted online:

• Step 1: Getting Started  
• Step 2: Treasures in the Attic  
• Step 3: Living Sources  
• Step 4: Beginning Your Library Research  
• Step 5: At the Library  
• Step 6: Secondary Source Research  
• Step 7: Primary Sources and Vital Records  
• Step 8: Census Records  
• Step 9: Immigration Records  
• Step 10: Naturalization Records  
• Step 11: Military Records  
• Step 12: Land Records
• Step 13: Will and Probate Records  
• Step 14: Court Records  
• Step 15: Unusual Record Sources  
• Step 16: Computers and Family History  
• Step 17: Online Research  
• Step 18: Adding Life to Your Family History  

Free Genealogy Forms

• Family Tree Chart

• Research Calendar

• Research Extract

• Free Census Forms

• Correspondence Record

• Family Group Chart

• Source Summary

Ancestry Library

The Ancestry Library is a collection of family history how-to and learning materials. Browse their archives of Ancestry Magazine, the Ancestry Daily News, and popular Ancestry.com online columnists, Juliana Smith, George G. Morgan, Dick Eastman, Kip Sperry, Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens, and Drew Smith.

Learn at Ancestry:

• Ancestry's Library  

• Getting Started

• Today @ Ancestry

• Periodical Source Index

• Conventions for Recording Your Data

Genealogy Help

GenHelp
This site was created by five experienced and devoted genealogists. They are dedicated to helping all genealogists, from novice to advanced, improve their research skills. They offer free articles and Genealogy Courses to assist you. They also have a unique method of encouraging feedback on articles: If you wish to ask questions or make a comment about any article, fill out a comment form at the bottom of that specific article. Each article provides a method for the reader to respond or request further assistance...

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