Organization of American Historians
Click on the keywords to navigate the site.

Handout 2: Family Genealogy

Reprinted from the OAH Magazine of History
16 (Winter 2002). ISSN 0882-228X
Copyright (c) 2002, Organization of American Historians
 

1. Begin by drawing a family "tree." You are the top "branch" connected to your parents. Then add "branches" depicting as many generations of grandparents, great-grandparents, etc., on both sides as you can. If possible include for each:

a. Name and maiden name

b. Date and place of birth

c. Marriage date

d. Children, with birthdates

e. Date and place of death

2. Interview in person as many living relatives as you can.

3. Official information is available from birth certificates, marriage records, death certificates, religious ceremonial certificates, and other legal documents.

4. Federal and state census records offer clues on family movements within and between states and occupations.

5. Check out courthouse records of wills, probate records, and land exchanges.

6. Visit cemeteries, looking for relevant headstones.

7. Keep careful records of what you find, when, where, and from whom.

8. Some specific resources for reference are included in the bibliography of this article.