Top 10 Genealogy Mistakes to Avoid

By Kimberly Powell, About.com Guide

Genealogy is about much more than how many names you can enter or import into your database. Rather than be concerned about how far back you've traced your family or how many names you have in your tree, you should get to know your ancestors. What did they look like? Where did they live? What events in history helped to shape their lives? Your ancestors had hopes and dreams just as you have, and while they might not have found their lives interesting, I just bet you will.

One of the best ways to start learning more about your family's special place in history is to interview your living relatives - discussed in Mistake #1. You may be surprised at the fascinating stories they have to tell when given the right opportunity and an interested pair of ears.