Genealogy and Family History

Researching your family's history is fun. The best way to get started is to start with yourself.

First, print a four-generation chart. Then, write down your name, the date you were born, and where you were born. Then enter the same information for your father and mother. Use maiden names, if known, for all females.  It's best to write in pencil especially if you aren't sure of correct spelling of names etc.

Continue entering information on your grandparents and, if you can, your great-grandparents. Ask family members for help, check family bibles, letters etc. Don't worry if there are blanks on your chart.  Finding names, dates and places to fill in those blanks is what genealogy is all about. See the sample pedigree chart to the right.

There are free genealogy software programs that will take you a step beyond paper and pencil. Link here for a comparison of client-based genealogy programs; free and fee-based.  There are also Web-based genealogy programs.

A four generation chart of Jane Miller STIVEN (1883-1960).