| United States Previous Research, Part 1 |
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Introduction
What You Are Looking For
Step 1. Ask your relatives if you can copy the genealogical information they have.
Step 2. Look in FamilySearch databases.
Step 3. Look in other automated databases.
Step 4. Find family histories or genealogies.
Step 5. Copy the information you find.
Step 6. Analyze what you found.
Introduction
Previous research is genealogical research that other people have already done about your family. It includes pedigree charts, family histories, genealogies, and other information.
This guide describes some basic sources you should check when you start researching your family. You may want to check the sources again after you find additional relatives.
Previous research often has a wealth of information and many valuable clues. The accuracy of the research depends on how well the people who compiled the sources did their research.
For more information about previous research, see Background.
For additional sources you can search for previous research, see How to Use Previous Research, Part 2.
You are looking for information about your ancestors that other people have found, such as information about:
These 6 steps will help you find information about your ancestor in previous research. You may find what you need in any of the first 4 steps.
Ask your relatives if they have:
With their permission, make copies of these items. Be very careful with anything your relatives loan you.
Write down any other information they give you.
FamilySearch To see a list of other databases available for purchase, see Order Family History Resources.
Check the Internet for other automated databases. For a list of helpful Internet sites, see Where to Find It: Internet.
Many good genealogy databases are also on compact disc
Check the following to find family histories:
You may be able to have a book sent from another library to your local public library through interlibrary loan. For more information about interlibrary loans, see Tip 1.
For some of the major lists of family histories and sources of biographical information, see Tip 2 and Tip 3.
Make photocopies of the information you find.
Add the appropriate names, dates, places, and notes to your pedigree charts and family group records.
Check the information you found to be sure it makes sense. For example:
For more information, see Tip 4.
©1998, 2001 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
No part of this document may be reprinted, posted on-line, or reproduced in any form for any purpose without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. FamilySearch is a trademark of Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
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What You Are Looking For
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Steps
Step 1. Ask your relatives if you can copy the genealogical information they have.
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Step 2. Look in FamilySearch databases.
on the Internet has several automated databases. You can search these databases for your ancestor from Ancestor Search.
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Step 3. Look in other automated databases.
through various genealogy companies. Many are available for purchase or may be used at various libraries and organizations. For a list of some libraries and organizations, see Where to Find It.
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Step 4. Find family histories or genealogies.
by Elizabeth Bentley. This book is available at many public and college libraries.
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Step 5. Copy the information you find.
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Step 6. Analyze what you found.
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[FamilySearchTM: Research Guidance
Version of Data: 6/8/2001]