HowTos Index

How To Begin Tracing Your Family Tree
New to researching your family tree? Try this step by step introduction to family tree research and learn more about your ancestors and your roots. Family tree research is easy and fun!

How To Become a Professional Genealogist
Learn what it means to be a professional genealogist, how to become a certified genealogist, and if genealogy is the right profession for you.

How To Make a FOIA Request for Records from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Learn how to request naturalization records, immigrant visa files, border crossing records and alien files from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Servies - formerly INS - by making a Freedom of Information Act - FOIA - request.

How To Share Your Genealogy Files
How to share your family tree files with others, including how to transfer data between programs and how to protect the privacy of living individuals.

How To Request French Genealogy Records by Mail or Post
How to request French birth, marriage, and death records by mail, including tips on getting a successful response.

How To Interview a Relative
Step-by-step tools and ideas to get you started interviewing your relatives. You will probably be surprised at the stories they can tell.

How To Find Your U.S. Immigrant Ancestor (1538-1819)
A simple how to on finding your US ancestor on ship's passenger lists or in naturalization records

How To Write a Successful Genealogy Query
Make the most out of online genealogy message boards and mailing lists by learning how to write a clear and effective query including surname queries and genealogy research questions.

How To Do a Tombstone Rubbing
Learn how to do a tombstone rubbing effectively without causing damage to the precious headstone. Includes tips on alternative forms of documentation such as photography and casting.