Information from the Columbus Metropolitan Library
Advice for Beginning Genealogists: Getting Started
The Genealogy Librarians at the State Library of Ohio recommend that beginning researchers complete four steps before visiting the library, although poking around a library or archive whenever it's convenient never hurts.
Step 1: Borrow from the library or buy a good "how–to" book on basic genealogical research. Two well–liked authors are Gilbert Doane and Angus Baxter among many others.
Step 2: Ask family, friends, neighbors (i.e. anyone who might remember) for information about your family and ancestors. Ask questions such as:
- a. What is your full name?
- b. When and where were you born?
- c. When and where did you marry? What is your spouse's full name?
- d. Did you have any children? If so, what are their full names?
- e. What are your parents' full names? What do you know about when and where they were born, grew up, married, etc.?
- f. What do you know about your grandparents? Do you have any family records such as photographs, letters, or bibles?
Step 3: Organize what you are told or know already by completing family ancestor charts and family group sheets (copies of these are free at the SLO Genealogy Services reference desk). You will then have a clear idea of the gaps you need to fill in and the clues to help you get started. Use pencil at first.
Step 4: Begin gathering copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates, starting with yourself. If you know the approximate date and place of these events, you should be able to write to the correct office or archive for the record you seek. Be prepared to pay a fee for each record you request.
Once you have made a good start by completing the steps above, visit libraries, archives, county courthouses, cemeteries, etc. to discover your family lineage.
Two caveats:
- 1. Genealogy can be a lifelong pursuit that requires some money and a great deal of time, but it is certainly a labor of love for many researchers.
- 2. You will soon discover that the information you need is scattered far and wide. No single library will have everything although some libraries will have many of the records you seek.