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= '''Gather Family Information''' = | |||
Some family members probably know a lot about the most recent generations of your ancestors. Use these sources and methods when gathering genealogical information from them: | |||
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== '''Family Records''' == | |||
Search all the old storage areas of family homes, including the attic, storage closets, trunks, safe, deposit boxes, and so forth. Encourage your relatives to make similar searches in their homes. | |||
Your second cousin, great-aunt, or other relative may already have gathered some family information. Most families have at least one relative who keeps track of cousins’ birthdays, anniversaries, or deaths. Learn who that relative is. Be sure to ask your parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends of the family for help in finding— | |||
'''''Official Documents'''''<br> | |||
* Certificates of birth, marriage, and death<br> | |||
* Wills, deeds, and property records<br> | |||
* Military service and pension documents<br> | |||
* Passports<br> | |||
* Naturalization documents<br> | |||
* Medical records<br> | |||
* Licenses (business, marriage, fishing, driving) <br> | |||
* School records<br> | |||
* Insurance policies<br> | |||
'''''Books and Albums'''''<br> | |||
* Family Bibles<br> | |||
* Scrapbooks and albums<br> | |||
* Baby and wedding books<br> | |||
* Books of Remembrance<br> | |||
* Photograph Albums<br> | |||
'''''Personal Writings'''''<br> | |||
* Journals and diaries<br> | |||
* Personal histories and biographies<br> | |||
* Letters and cards<br> | |||
'''''Printed Notices and Announcements'''''<br> | |||
* Newspaper clippings and obituaries<br> | |||
* Announcements of births, weddings, and anniversaries<br> | |||
* Programs (award ceremonies, funerals) <br> | |||
* Family reunion notices and records<br> | |||
'''''Certificates'''''<br> | |||
* Religious records<br> | |||
* Fraternal or society records<br> | |||
* Occupational awards<br> | |||
== '''Family Traditions''' == | |||
As you discuss family history, you will probably learn some traditional family stories about an ancestor. Many traditions are based on fact, but most prove to have significant incorrect information. Stories often tend to inflate an ancestor’s importance or misrepresent one’s origins. | |||
Be skeptical about family traditions. Treat them as vague clues. Family traditions such as the following have often proven to be false: (1) close connections to nobility, (2) three immigrant brothers who settled in different parts of America, (3) radical name changes by immigration authorities (4) descent from an Indian princess, or (5) a valuable estate that the descendants are entitled to have. | |||
However, most family traditions also include many correct facts and serve as clues for further research. Therefore, write down the traditions, indicae who is most familiar with the stories, and be sure to investigate the facts. | |||
Be skeptical about family traditions. Treat them as vague clues. | |||
== '''Family Memorabilia''' == | |||
[[Decide What You Want to Learn|''Next page'']] | |||
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