1) Quiz the Kin - Given the convenience of modern communication, there is no longer a good excuse for not gathering information from all of your relatives. Whether you call, write or email, take some time out to gather more facts from your family members.
More: Fifty Questions for Family Interviews
2) Get Help from the Mormons - A good way to start looking for your ancestors is to search through the collected pedigrees of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Just open the FamilySearch.org Web site, click on Search for Ancestors and enter an ancestor's name. If you're looking for a common name, try refining your search by date or place, or by entering the person's mother, father or spouse. It is important to note here that the majority of pedigrees here are unverified works submitted by researchers just like you. It is a great way to find clues, but take what you find with a grain of salt.
More: Top 10 Surname & Pedigree Databases, The Family History Library: Step by Step
3) Network with Others- Browse the archives of genealogy mailing lists, search surname lists, or post your own genealogy queries to find other people who are researching your line. You may find someone who lives near the location of your ancestors and is willing to do lookups for you at the cemetery, library or courthouse. Or you may be able to expand your family tree by sharing your finds. Either way, it's more fun to work with others on the hunt - especially when you're confined to your home.
More: How to Write a Successful Genealogy Query
4) Check the Local Library - While many libraries classify their genealogy books as reference materials for on-site use only, interlibrary loan is a great way to obtain many historical and genealogical items without having to travel. Can't get to the library? That's OK too. Many libraries' staff will answer simple reference requests by mail or phone, including looking up obituaries and checking a book or microfilm index for a specific name. Depending upon their time and budget, many libraries may require a small fee plus the cost of postage to provide photocopies of the relevant documents. Some libraries also provide members with free remote access to genealogical databases such as Ancestry Plus and Heritage Quest.
More: Major Genealogy Research Libraries, Heritage Quest Online
5) Write a Letter...or Two - It may sound old-fashioned to put pen to paper in this day and age, but it is a great way to get answers to queries and copies of genealogical documents from courthouses, libraries and archives. You can also try doing this by email, but many organizations just don't have the staff to respond to emails. To help encourage a response, always include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) and any relevant photocopy fees.
More: Genealogy Correspondence 101
