Genealogy Basics

Here are the basics of genealogy, as well as other material that just didn't fit anywhere else on the site. It's an easy hobby to get into, but that doesn't mean there is nothing to learn.

Getting Started in Genealogy
The first place to start if you are thinking of building your own family tree. A few tips to get your project off the ground.

Why Study Genealogy?
Some thoughts on why you might want to pursue genealogy as a hobby.

Genealogy Magazines
A few genealogy magazines you might want to check out for monthly motivation, along with my thoughts on a couple of the more popular ones.

Methods and Techniques

Branch Out Your Family Tree
Don't work with blinders on, focusing only on your own direct line of blood ancestors. Check out those cousins, aunts and uncles too.

Planning a Genealogy Research Trip
Plan ahead and get your supplies together before heading out on a genealogy research trip. You'll make better use of your time if you are prepared.

Watch for Errors
Don't get side-tracked by your latest find. There are errors and mistakes everywhere, so you need to be careful what you include in your family tree.

When You Hit a Brick Wall
There are always points on your tree that cause you more grief than any other. Try a few of my suggestions for getting past that dreaded brick wall.

Genealogy Terms and Concepts

Cousins Once Removed?
Once of the most common questions about families, is what all those
cousin designations mean. Now you can figure out what your distant
cousin should be called.

Soundex Codes
Soundex codes can help with your online searches, by eliminating errors
due to incorrect transcription. Names that sound alike are given the
same code, more or less.

Stuff that's not really basic but had to go somewhere

Identity Theft
Something you might be concerned about, especially if you are just starting out in genealogy.