3 High-tech and Low-tech Tools for Genealogy Research

By: Shari Hearn

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been interested in my past. My way past, that is. That past that was even before I was born. Well, of course I’m talking about my ancestors. Those very people who had a part in making me who I am today.

It used to be the search for my heritage took me to the library where I had to spend countless hours combing through books seeking information about my ancestors. But, today, there are so many more resources available for genealogy research. Let’s take a look at three such resources you should consider, both high tech and low tech.

The Internet

The internet has certainly simplified genealogy research. You no longer have to take a trek to the library and sit next to someone with strong perfume or cologne to find information about your ancestors.

What kind of information can you find on the internet?

Surname Search

Birth Records

Death Records

Marriage Records

Census Records

Cemetery Records

Military Records

While searching on the internet you have the choice of using a paid service, or numerous free services, many specific to states or counties. For example, if you’re interest in Birth, Death and Marriage records for ancestors from West Virginia, you can go to http://www.wvculture.org/vrr and do a free search of their records. Many other states, counties and historical societies have similar websites.

Another way to utilize the internet is to visit genealogy communities or forums. Perhaps someone else is researching the same people, or knows someone who is. One such site is http://www.geocities.com/ohgenealogy/Index.html, where people have links to their personal genealogy pages, as well as a link to a genealogy forum. This site deals with ancestors from Ohio, but you can find similar pages for other states and countries by doing a basic internet search.

DNA Testing

Want to go even more high tech? Many people have turned to DNA tests to determine where their ancestors are from. A simple swab of the inside of one’s cheek (yep, just like they do on CSI) can yield DNA which will be compared with other’s DNA. Two types of DNA testing are Y chromosome testing (Y-DNA) and mitochondrial DNA testing. The Y –DNA tests look at paternal lineage while the mitochondrial DNA looks at maternal lineage.

Such tests can be used to determine such things as: which present-day African country you share your ancestry; which European maternal clan you share ancestry; percentage of Native American ancestry.

Oral History

From the extreme high tech to the extreme low tech. While it’s true some stories get distorted over many tellings, you still should talk to as many relatives as possible to get clues to your genealogy. Oral histories can give you information that no DNA test or records search will offer.

Oral histories, along with giving you information to then research through the internet, can also give you the family “color.” Oral histories make your heritage come alive and become more colorful. Maybe you have a horse thief in your family’s past. Now, nobody would want a car thief in their family now. But a horse thief in your family past who lived before the Civil War? Well, that’s just interesting.

Remember to organize all your information so that someday you can pass it down to future generations as well. You might want to purchase some genealogy software which can help organize and publish your information.

Remember, your past is a part of who you are today. Of course, your future is up to you.

About the Author

Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of DNA Paternity Tests where you can learn more about Genetic Genealogy

(ArticlesBase SC #128173)

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Fun With Genealogy

By: sunshine02

Genealogy studies family ancestries and histories. These are activities that are enjoyable and often amusing; most of the fun in genealogy is in the research and finding as well as the folks you meet along the way

The different thing about genealogy is that it requires a person who is inquisitive, intelligent, enjoys learning, knows how to solve a puzzle, and does not give up when there is a brick wall.

Discovering your ancestry gives you a personal connection with history and helps to establish a firm identity and pride in your background. Knowledge of who you are and where your family comes from helps you connect with multiple generations and age groups. Studying and writing about family history is a creative outlet for anyone who enjoys research and writing. What’s more, the end result is a priceless gift left for future generations. A personalized knowledge of the past helps most people come to terms with their own life changes. Knowing about your own family history perhaps makes you a little less judgmental about other people.

In doing your genealogy in life you have to enjoy it since tracing it can take many years in do it. It is one of the best hobbies you can have so please enjoy it. Everyday when you work on your genealogy you will find something new in your past.

Genealogy is a wonderful hobby for all age groups, including children. It can provide an opportunity to develop a strong sense of family and to bridge the gap between generations. When you research your family roots, it seems that the history come alive and it improves your ability to organize, plan and communicate. Children can have so much fun playing detective, which they won’t even realize that they are learning along the way. Ask your grandchildren to help you unravel the mystery of your family history, and you will be starting them on the journey of a lifetime.

The quickest way to make progress in genealogical research is to connect with someone who is further along or is more experienced than you are. A large part of the fun of genealogy is the relationships you develop with people along the way.

About the Author

Information for Your Life

Click to find more about Genealogy Resource

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Fun With Genealogy