Learning your family tree doesn’t have to be difficult. Genealogy can start at home.
Credit: Library of Congress
Author: Mia Gradney
Published: 3:23 PM CST February 25, 2025
Updated: 3:25 PM CST February 25, 2025
HOUSTON — Inspired to learn more about your roots? Here’s how to start your journey into family history.
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Step 1: Start at home
- Gather what you already have: Old photographs, family Bibles, letters, birth/marriage records, military records, obituaries, quilts, or heirlooms.
- Digitize important documents for safekeeping.
Step 2: Talk to your elders
- Interview your oldest living relatives—parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or family friends.
- Ask about names, places, traditions, and stories passed down.
- Record conversations using your phone or a voice recorder for future reference.
Step 3: Visit your local library
- Get a library card—most libraries offer free access to genealogy databases.
- Use resources like census records, city directories, and historical newspapers.
Step 4: Use free online resources
- Create a free account at FamilySearch.org for access to a vast collection of genealogical records.
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Explore databases like:
- Ancestry.com (some records free, others require a subscription)
- FindAGrave.com (cemetery records and family connections)
- African American Genealogy groups on Facebook and online forums.
Step 5: Join a genealogy research group
- Learn methods, strategies, and documentation tips from experienced researchers.
- Connect with local or national genealogy societies for African American family research.
Step 6: Be patient – it’s a journey, not a destination
- Researching family history is not a weekend project—it unfolds over time.
- Each new discovery leads to more relatives, more stories, and more history to uncover.