Learn More
Continue to learn more about genealogy
- Use website tutorials to learn more
- Join societies and organizations for genealogy training.
- Legacy offers free webinars (with access to recordings if you subscribe)
Additional Advice
- Use software to store and organize information.
- Start with what you know. Collect as much information from relatives as you can, then get it organized, preferably with some genealogy software package, before turning to the internet. When you're organized you'll be able to take advantage of what the internet offers.
- Evaluate everything you find! Nowhere is the computer adage GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out) more true than in online genealogy. Almost all the material must be double checked. Many web genealogies are strings of wishful thinking repeated from other strings of wishful thinking. This includes information from LDS's Ancestral File, FTM's World Family Tree and Ancestry's Ancestry World Tree. Very few online genealogies are documented. Treat online information as hints to guide further research, not material to copy blindly into your genealogy. Follow the advice in Evaluating Web Sources and Guidelines for Genealogy Research
- Don't fire off e-mail with general questions to historical societies, libraries, discussion lists, etc. Many organizations (academic libraries) will not do genealogical research, but will help you use or locate material that is unique to them. Lurk on discussion lists and observe the traffic and how queries are phrased. Often there are specific rules for subject lines.
- Don't ignore print resources! Electronic resources are useful portals to information--but often you will still have to order microform, photocopies of records, etc. Many print resources will not appear online for many years. Don't wait!
Learn from Books
The Source
Call Number: Olin Library Reference CS49 .S65 2006 +Publication Date: 2006A 1000 page classic reference guide for genealogy. Also available freely online.Genealogy online
Publication Date: 2015Genealogy at a glance Russian genealogy research
Publication Date: 2021Ukrainian genealogy research
Publication Date: 2021Getting Started in Jewish Genealogy
Call Number: Olin Library Oversize CS21 .M65 2015 +Publication Date: 2015
DNA testing for genealogy
DNA testing is a useful complement to genealogy research, providing clues and directions for further research, but it cannot replace research. It can’t provide complete answers. And there are serious privacy concerns; educate yourself about privacy and read the fine print of any DNA test.
Cyndi's List DNA, Genetics & Family Heatlh
Selected recommended guides:
Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genet
Call Number: Olin Library CS21 .B48 2016Publication Date: 2016Recommended. A plain-English guide to using DNA testing for genealogy.DNA for Native American Genealogy
Publication Date: 2021This work is the first book to offer detailed information and advice specifically aimed at family historians interested in fleshing out their Native American family tree through DNA testing. Included are step-by-step instructions, with illustrations, on how to use DNA testing at the four major DNA testing companies to further your genealogy and confirm or identify your Native American ancestors. Among the many other topics covered are the following: Tribes in the United States and First Nations in Canada; Ethnicity; Chromosome painting; Population Genetics and how ethnicity is assigned; Genetic groups and communities; Y DNA paternal direct line male testing for you and your family members; Mitochondrial DNA maternal direct line testing for you and your family members; Autosomal DNA matching and ethnicity comparisons; Creating a DNA pedigree chart; Native American haplogroups, by region and tribe; Ancient and contemporary Native American DNA.
Chat with a Genealogist
Free chat with a genealogist service from American Ancestors/New England Historic Genealogical Society (requires registering as a guest).