Articles Index

Standards for Sound Genealogical Research
The National Genealogical Society offers advice and standards on the basics of seeking, using and documenting genealogical record sources, as well as common courtesies when communicating, sharing, or publishing genealogical findings.

10 Top Genealogy Resolutions
Make this the year that you do things right with these genealogy ideas tips and links for successful family history research, including getting organized, interviewing relatives and making time for family history research.

Reading and Understanding Old Documents & Records
Old documents and records present a challenge to genealogists, from old script, to archaic dates and terms, to old handwriting that seems downright impossible to read. Learn the tricks of the trade that genealogists use and need to read, understand and interpret older documents.

8 Ways to Avoid Barking Up the Wrong Family Tree
There is nothing more frustrating than finding out the ancestors you've been so diligently searching aren't really yours. Learn how to avoid wrong turns in your research with these simple steps.

Genealogy Research at the Courthouse, Archives or Library
Make your genealogy research trip to the courthouse, library or archives as productive as possible with these tips for planning your visit and maximizing your results.

Research "Across the Pond"
Genealogy research in a foreign country doesn't need to be intimidating. These simple steps will help you get around the language and record barriers, and add a new generation or two to your family tree.

10 First Steps to Finding Your Roots
You've decided to dig into your family history but aren't sure where to begin? These 10 basic steps will get you started on the fascinating journey into genealogy and your past.

Location is Everything
Location is everything when researching the ancestors in your family tree. Learn how to track down the places and locations where they lived so you'll know where to find their records.

Abstracting & Transcribing Genealogical Documents
abstracing and transcribing

10 Steps for Finding Your Family Tree Online
Locating information on your family tree is easier than ever with thousands of new records being placed online daily. Learn how to tap the vast resources of the Internet to locate your ancestral roots with these ten simple steps.

Genealogy by Mail
When you can't find it on the Internet, why not research by mail? Learn how to use postal mail to gather information and documents on your family without leaving home. Includes tips for corresponding with archives, what information to provide, where to find addresses, and suggestions for handling payment.

Cluster Genealogy
Researching the individuals connected to your direct ancestors -- whether siblings, neighbors, or friends -- can often lead to new clues.

Do Not Assume
Making the wrong assumption in genealogy research can lead you in the wrong direction, or prevent you from finding information on your ancestors. Avoid incorrect conclusions by learning to recognize these common mistaken genealogical assumptions.

Five Tips for Tracking Down Parents
Don't know where your ancestor came from? Try one of these suggestions for locating the parents of your ancestor and discovering the next generation in your family tree.

Including the "History" in Family History
Little details -- from your ancestor's hair color to their occupation, courting, and favorite foods -- are what make family history exciting, and can breathe new life into your genealogy research. Learn how to incorporate social history into your family history and put flesh on the bones of your ancestors.

Five Golden Rules for Growing Family Trees
Don't get so wrapped up in your genealogy hunt that you forget the basics. Make sure you're following these five golden rules for genealogy success!

Brick Wall Strategies for Dead-End Family Trees
When your family history research hits a dead-end, organize your facts and try one of these popular brick wall busting tactics.

Think Like a Detective - Developing a Genealogy Research Plan
Steps to developing a genealogy research plan.

Six Strategies for Finding Roots Online
finding roots online

Five Steps to Verifying Online Genealogy Sources
verifying online genealogy sources

Armchair Genealogy - 10 Ways to Trace Your Family Tree from Home
Whether you're a weekend genealogist with little time, have physical or monetary constraints that make it hard to get out of the house, or are just a plain old homebody, it is getting much easier these days to research your family tree from the comfort of your armchair. Learn how with these 10 time-saving tips and techniques.