How do i find out family history without asking my mother

Question

my mother wasnt married to my father when i was born, however i was re-registered at 9 months old when they did marry, strangely though my mother has a different surname on my birth certificate to what i have always been led to believe hers was before marriage, i am curious to know why she has never told me i was born out of wedlock and also curious as to this other name, i cant broach the subject with her as it would cause too much upset, is there any other way i can find out

Answer 1

Perhaps your grandmother was not married to your grandfather when your mom was born.

Your mom's legal maiden name may be her bio dad's surname or it could be your grandmother's maiden name.

Perhaps your mom was married before she and your dad married and the name is her former married surname.  

Check the family Bibles.

Does your mom have a high school yearbook?

Ask the person everyone refers to as "the family gossip".

Answer 2

Most county marriage records are public information, that might be a place to start.  But I don't know that I would go behind my mother's back like that.  It might cause even more problems.  An open honest conversation with yur mother might be the best thing.

Answer 3

Your mother have a sister or brother? Hit them up for info. Try the grandparents on both sides too. Everybody's got a story to tell and they love to talk. Just tell them you're intersted in the genealogy aspect. Don't make it seem like you're prying into their business, even though technically you are. It's all in how you ask!

Answer 4

As Barbara said, these are public record information. You can use a site like http://www.v1g.org which will provide you many many records aimed at finding out your family history, including birth records, marriage records, and many more. The site does cost money, however it is a minimal one time fee, and you have unlimited access to the records database.