Tracing your ancestry begins with gathering family knowledge and systematically documenting each generation. This guide walks you through starting your family tree, finding records, and organizing your research for lasting results.

Every family tree starts with what you already know. Begin by interviewing relatives, collecting names, dates, and places for parents, grandparents, and beyond. Write down maiden names, approximate birth years, and any stories about where ancestors lived or worked. These details become the foundation for your ancestry research and help you identify which records to seek next.

Once you have a starting point, expand your tree using genealogy records. Civil registrations, census returns, and church registers often contain birth records, marriages, and deaths that confirm relationships across generations. Libraries, archives, and online databases provide access to millions of indexed documents. Cross-reference multiple sources to verify facts and avoid common pitfalls like assuming two people with the same name are related.

Organization is essential as your tree grows. Use genealogy software or a simple spreadsheet to track sources, note conflicting information, and record where each fact came from. Attach digital copies of historical documents to the relevant individuals so you can revisit evidence later. Consistent citation habits save time and make your research credible to other family historians.

Building a family tree is a rewarding journey that connects you to the past. As you uncover ancestors, you may discover migration patterns, occupations, and cultural traditions that shaped your family's story. Share your findings with relatives, contribute to collaborative databases, and continue exploring new branches. With patience and careful documentation, your tree can become a lasting legacy for future generations.