How do I start a family/genealogy search?

Question

I really feel like a big chunk of my family is missing,and I really want to have my whole family back again. If you could list some sites that would be nice

Answer 1

Ancestry.com its a good sight but u have to pay for some features its the only website i know but if anyone else knows a good sight let me know

Answer 2

I would try the Rootsweb site (off of geneology.com I believe)

or the Church of Latter Day Saints website, they usually have some good info.

Hope this helps.

Xoxo Jade

Answer 3

ancestory.com. Its really easy to use, free, and it will find you a lot of info

Answer 4

Start by getting information about your relatives who are deceased or born at least 75 - 80 years ago. Most records available on-line are prior to 1930, with the exception of some death records.

The details you need are Names(include middle names, maiden names), Dates (or approx.year) of birth, death and marriage, and the Places where these events took place. Military, immigration, and church/religion infromation would also be helpful.

Ancestry.com is, there is a fee but it is definitely worth it.  They have almost everything you need all in one website.

http://www.ancestry.com

There are a lot of free sites too.  Here are just a few:

The Mormon LDS church has vast collection of family history, Social Security Death Index and US (1880), Canada & UK (1881) Census records. They also offer free family tree software (.PAF5.2).

http://www.familysearch.org/ (for records search)

http://www.familysearch.org/eng/home/wel... (for software download)

Rootsweb has family trees with over 250 million names and links to useful regional volunteer-run databases.

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/... (for searching trees)

http://userdb.rootsweb.ancestry.com/regi... (for regional links)

Cyndislist is a very popular site with extensive links for specific countries and ethnic groups.

http://www.cyndislist.com/

US Vital Records

http://usgwarchives.org/

Cemetery and Death Records

http://ssdi.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-b...

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi...

Message boards for people researching common surnames and regions

http://genforum.genealogy.com/

http://boards.rootsweb.com/

http://boards.ancestry.com/

http://www.cousinconnect.com/index.html

Ted Pack's website is really helpful for people who are getting started in their research.  You'll get great advise and details about the most popular free sites, I would suggest going here first:

http://www.tedpack.org/yagenlinks.html

If you get stuck, post another question with the details you have and request help to find information.  People are usually amazed with the answers they get here.

Good luck in your research.  You'll find it's a very rewarding experience.