Enthusiasts can take their research as far as they desire. By expanding the search to include location, historical events and cultural influences, you can build a rich narrative about your family history.
Taking your first steps into genealogy is easy. All you need is a piece of paper and pen or a computer program such as My Family Tree from the Windows Store. Start by filling out all the names you can think of, including your own. Keep going back as far as you can, even if all you can remember is a reference to a nickname, such as great-aunt May or Papaw Jones.
Details will help you ensure the names you find listed in historical records and resources match your family members. In the example of Papaw Jones, such a memory, paired with research, could reveal a great-grandfather named Peter Jones and his daughter May.
For this reason, be sure to add anything you can remember about where your ancestors were born and lived. The more information you find on the names of their children, spouses and hometowns, the easier your search will become. These details can help you confirm that listings in the available genealogical records are linked to your family and not that of someone unrelated who happens to share your surname.
Reminiscing with your loved ones is a great way to fill in gaps in your knowledge. Others in your family may recall names or stories you're unfamiliar with that can lead you to new discoveries.
Genealogy is a popular pastime, so you also might have a relative who's already collected records relevant to your family tree. You may be able to reap the benefits of their efforts and potentially gain new ways to talk with them while exploring your family tree or the historical offerings in Youngtown.
Sharing your passions with like-minded individuals offers the chance to form new friendships and lets you swap tips and best practices.
Besides talking with family and friends interested in genealogy, you can check out dedicated groups both locally and online. Social media platforms, including Facebook, Reddit and Discord, offer the chance to learn from others' experiences and share your own. You can start with resources such as:
Before the internet, genealogy research often required individuals to travel to cemeteries, libraries and town halls in person to view records. However, digital copies of many historical databases, including census information, marriage licenses and birth records, are now available online.
Your family tree likely contains relatives who lived in various states and even countries, making national and international database websites, such as the free resources below, extremely useful in your search.
Arizona Department of Health Services
The health department's genealogy page houses birth records from 1800 to 1949 and death records spanning 1800 to 1974.
Arizona State Library
While not specifically aimed at genealogists, the Arizona State Library has useful maps, photographs and historic newspapers you can view online.
United States Census Bureau
Census records let you track birthplaces, marital status, occupation and household members and fill out details in your family tree.National Archives
The National Archives has census and military history records, passenger lists and naturalization records that can help you track down your ancestors' birthplaces and journeys.
The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is one of the largest collections in the world. You'll find city directories, county histories, copyrighted newspapers and other resources.
The New York Public Library
Nearly as extensive as the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library houses histories and genealogical materials for every state. It also contains image galleries and city directories on microfilm.
Family Search
You can use this free database to search for your ancestors by surname, record type and location. Its vast Wiki page contains additional topics that can fuel your search.
Find A Grave
Users have uploaded photographs and information to many of the graves listed here. This enables you to view cemetery listings and confirm the dates and names engraved on burial plots without traveling there in person.
Access Genealogy
This site provides searches by state, record type and ethnic group. Since its founding in 1999, its focus has been on providing free information within its own database and collecting external links, especially ones pertaining to Native American history.
The West Valley Genealogy Society is the largest genealogy library in Arizona. Just 1.5 miles from our location at LifeStream at Youngtown, the society has a team of volunteers who can help connect you with resources and other local genealogists.
The group leads regular classes that can help you learn how to use online resources and computer programs commonly used by genealogists. Classes also include guidance on research methods, photograph preservation and the use of DNA and genetics in genealogy.
Monthly membership meeting schedules are posted on the website, and the public is invited to attend free of charge. You can also request a library tour, access the society's monthly newsletter and view online resource links.
