Finding your roots


Welcome to Moments We Share Family History Pathfinder. This guide is designed to assist and benefit those who are interested in discovering their family history. This is a curated collection of resources and guidelines to help you navigate and find information on basic family research. I will provide you with the necessary tools to start your basic family search and build a family tree.


Family history can be an expansive and sometimes complex subject, often leading you down unexpected paths. To keep this guide focused, I will provide resources that offer a solid foundation for beginning your family history research.


This pathfinder is targeted at individuals who are comfortable using online resources for family history research. However, if you're not familiar with online tools, this guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you navigate these resources effectively. Additionally, I will include alternatives for those without access to technology. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the wealth of information available in online databases to enhance their genealogical journey.


This pathfinder is designed to guide you

a) in gathering information

b) understanding the basics of creating a visual family tree

c) providing tips and resources for further exploration into the significance of family history.


Sara Wolfley's grandparents

Finding a public library archive department or genealogy library


It is possible that a local library near you has an archival department. Professionals are there to guide you through searching your family history. Your family history can be scattered throughout the country; however, these centers can connect you to a certain library that may have a record you're in need of. Archivists can guide you through your family research, allow you to look through collections, and give you access to databases that may cost money outside of the library.


lOCAL Libraries and Archives


CLICK: tHOMAS BALCH, LEESBURG VA


Mission Statement:

One of the library’s missions is collecting and preserving printed, manuscript, photographic, cartographic and genealogical documentation of Leesburg, Loudoun County and the surrounding region....(Town of Leesburg, 2024).

CLICK: Stewart bell jr. archives


Mission Statement:

Handley Regional Library system provides outstanding information, resources, programs and services to enrich our diverse community (Handley Regional Library System, 2024).




CLICK: alexandria library


About:

Alexandria and Northern Virginia resources include: compilations of birth, death and marriage records; church and cemetery information; microfilm copies of the Alexandria Gazette, the local newspaper; information about local archaeological projects; microfilm copies of legal records such as wills and deeds; information about historic Alexandria houses; biographical information about prominent local people and families; general histories of the area (Alexandria Library, 2024).


subscription Online Database


Investing in genealogy services like Ancestry.com, Find My Past, and MyHeritage is a good idea because they offer comprehensive tools and extensive databases for researching family history. Check out the Step-by-Step Subscription Guide below.


Click each word to access the subscription databases:

ancestry

FindMyPast

myheritage


Free databases

Exploring free online genealogy databases like FamilySearch, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the National Archives offers numerous benefits. These resources provide access to billions of historical records, making it easier to trace family histories, understand demographic changes, and uncover information about ancestors. Check out the Step-by-Step Guide below.


click: FamilySearch


A free genealogy website offering access to billions of historical records, family trees, and genealogical resources from around the world.



CLICK: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE


click: U.S. Census Bureau 

Provides free access to historical census records, essential for tracing family histories and understanding demographic changes over time.



CLICK: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE


click: National Archives and Records Administration

Offers free access to a vast collection of historical documents, including military, immigration, and vital records, crucial for genealogical research.


CLICK: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE


Handley Regional Library (1913)

ORGANIZE YOUR RESEARCH & BUILD YOUR FAMILY TREE


article:


CLICK: How to make a family tree diagram (+ examples).


  • This article provides a step-by-step guide on creating a family tree diagram, highlighting the importance of documenting family history. It covers researching family information, drafting and labeling the tree, and designing it using Venngage’s Family Tree Maker. Additionally, the article includes various family tree examples and discusses the historical significance of genealogy charts.


vIDEo:


CLICK: Where to create a family tree - Genealogy 101


  • "This video reviews Ancestry.com, MyHeritage.com, FindMyPast.com and two of the most popular software programs if you prefer to keep things on your computer - Family Tree Maker and Rootsmagic. The family tree found on FamilySearch is also discussed. Note these reviews are based on my experience and opinions. I have received no compensation to mention these products - so no bias!" (Cross, 2021)



*The pricing and plans may not be up to date, but this video will guide you through the process of building a family tree.




Templates:


CLICK: Family tree templates & pedigree charts

  • The Ancestry.com charts and forms page offers a variety of printable templates to assist with genealogical research. These include family trees, pedigree charts, research calendars, and census forms. These tools help organize and document family history information efficiently. 

CONNECT WITH OTHERS

Exploring national and international societies, regional and local societies, and specialized societies is crucial for genealogical research. These organizations provide access to unique records, expertise, and resources specific to various geographical areas and topics. They often offer educational programs, networking opportunities, and support for tracing ancestry, making them invaluable for building a comprehensive family history. Engaging with these societies can help uncover rare documents and connect researchers with others who share similar interests.


CLICK ON THE NAME OF THE SOCIETY TO ACCESS THE WEBSITE

National and International Societies





Regional & local societies





sPECIALIZED SOCIETIES










Sara Wolfley's Grandpa and family (1940s)

Books & Publications


CLICK ON THE NAME OF THE BOOK TO ACCESS MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BOOKS

Beginner's guide to genealogy: How to get started with your family research



  • This book offers a comprehensive introduction to tracing family history. It provides essential steps, tips for overcoming challenges, and guidance on using various resources like census records and online databases






Finding your family tree: A beginner’s guide to researching your genealogy


  • This guide offers beginners a step-by-step approach to researching their genealogy, covering essential tools, techniques, and resources for tracing family history effectively


A legacy that last: Preserving and transferring your family values


  • This book focuses on the importance of preserving and transferring family values, providing strategies and insights for ensuring that a family's legacy endures through generations.



Talking about Family History with your children:

CLICK ON THE NAME OF THE NAME OF THE RESOURCE TO ACCESS


When you visit an archive, it is often geared towards an older audience of researchers. However, introducing your children to the importance of family history can be done in small ways. Your children might start spending time with their grandparents or other family members, leading to questions about family history. You can introduce children to family history through books and practicing preservation. For instance, interviewing grandparents to document their life stories can preserve these memories for future generations, even if done at a later age.





Media Resources

CLICK ON THE NAME OF THE BOOK TO ACCESS MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MEDIA RESOURCES

Video:

Christina Applegate gets emotional finding out about violent family history..


  • In the video Who Do You Think You Are? (2023, March 5), Christina Applegate becomes emotional as she uncovers a violent aspect of her family history. This exploration reveals how deeply family history can affect individuals, highlighting the importance and emotional weight of genealogical research.

Video:

Laura Dern and Diane Ladd Discover the Secret Meaning Behind their Names


  • In the Ancestry video "Laura Dern and Diane Ladd Discover the Secret Meaning Behind their Names | unFamiliar™ | Ancestry®" (2023, December 13), Laura Dern and Diane Ladd explore the intriguing origins and hidden meanings of their names, uncovering surprising family history.

PODCAST:

Family Tree Editors. Family Tree Magazine Podcast


  • The Family Tree Magazine Podcast, hosted by Family Tree Editors since 2008, offers genealogical tips, interviews, and insights for family history enthusiasts. 

Larry Wolfley's school house

Thank you for visiting Moments We Share Family History Pathfinder. I hope this guide provides you with the necessary tools and inspiration to embark on your genealogical journey. Family history is more than just dates and names; it is about understanding the stories that have shaped your family over generations. Enjoy the process of discovering your roots and the unique history that makes your family special.


References