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Beginning Genealogists' Resources Section


This page is aimed at the genealogy beginner. There are links here that we feel will be particularly helpful. So please check them out and give us some feedback so that we can further improve it.


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Here's a brief list of the top ten things someone new to genealogy should do:


1. **Start with Yourself**: Begin by documenting your own information, including full name, birth date, birthplace, and parents' names.

2. **Talk to Family Members**: Interview relatives to gather information about your family history, including names, dates, places, and stories.

3. **Record Everything**: Keep detailed notes of all information gathered, including dates, sources, and any discrepancies.

4. **Organize Your Materials**: Develop a system to keep track of documents, photos, and other genealogical materials.

5. **Research Online**: Utilize genealogy websites and databases to search for records, family trees, and historical documents.

6. **Visit Local Resources**: Explore local libraries, archives, and historical societies for records not available online.

7. **Verify Information**: Double-check facts and sources to ensure accuracy, especially when relying on online family trees.

8. **Join Genealogy Communities**: Connect with other researchers through online forums, social media groups, or local genealogy societies.

9. **Learn Genealogical Skills**: Familiarize yourself with basic genealogical research techniques, such as census analysis, vital records research, and DNA testing.

10. **Be Patient and Persistent**: Genealogy research can be challenging and time-consuming, so remain patient and persistent in your quest for information.


OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (3.5) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com


What is the best desktop genealogy software?


The "best" genealogy software can depend on individual preferences and needs, but some popular options often cited for their comprehensive features, user-friendly interfaces, and robust capabilities include:


RootsMagic: RootsMagic is known for its powerful yet user-friendly interface. It offers a wide range of features for organizing family trees, tracking sources, creating reports, and integrating with online databases.


Legacy Family Tree: Legacy Family Tree is another highly regarded option with a long history in the genealogy software space. It offers tools for researching, organizing, and presenting family histories, along with features for DNA analysis and collaboration.


Family Tree Maker: Family Tree Maker has been a staple in the genealogy software market for many years. It provides tools for building family trees, recording historical data, and creating visual presentations.


Gramps: Gramps is an open-source genealogy software that appeals to users who prefer free and community-supported options. It offers a wide range of features for researching and documenting family histories.


Ancestral Quest: Ancestral Quest is known for its robust feature set, including tools for organizing family trees, documenting sources, and creating multimedia presentations. It also offers integration with online databases and DNA testing services.


Ultimately, the best desktop genealogy software for you will depend on factors such as your specific needs, preferences, budget, and the features that are most important to you. It can be helpful to try out demos or free versions of different software programs to see which one best suits your needs.


OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (3.5) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com

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