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Family History

Getting Started with Genealogy

1. Start with What You Know

      • Write down your full name, birth date, and place of birth
      • Add parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents (if known)
      • Include dates and locations (even approximate ones help)
      • Use a simple pedigree chart or family group sheet

2. Talk to Family Members

      • Interview parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles
      • Ask about:
        • Full names (including maiden names)
        • Birth, marriage, and death dates
        • Places they lived
        • Stories, traditions, and family lore
      • Record conversations or take notes
      • Ask for copies of documents and photos

3. Gather Home Sources

Encourage people to look for:

      • Birth, marriage, and death certificates
      • Obituaries
      • Family Bibles
      • Photo albums (check for names on the back!)
      • Letters, diaries, scrapbooks
      • Military papers

First Steps in Records Research

4. Census Records 

      • Federal census records (every 10 years: 1790–1950 currently available)
      • Provide:
        • Names of household members
        • Ages and estimated birth years
        • Locations
        • Occupations
      • Helpful for tracking families over time

5. Vital Records

      • Birth certificates
      • Marriage records
      • Death certificates
        These help confirm relationships and exact dates.

6. Cemetery & Obituary Research

      • Tombstones often include dates and family connections
      • Obituaries can list relatives, places, and life details

7. Local Resources

This is where your historical society shines:

      • Local histories and county books
      • Newspapers (marriages, obituaries, community news)
      • City directories
      • Church records

8. Immigration & Naturalization Records (if applicable)

      • Passenger lists
      • Naturalization papers
      • Can reveal original hometowns and arrival dates

9. Military Records

      • Draft registrations
      • Service records
      • Pension files

Genealogy Groups

Genealogical Research Links and Tools

Digital Book Collections

Illinois Resources