Getting Started

A beginner-friendly guide that walks you through the foundational steps of starting your family history research, from building your first family tree to choosing the right software. You’ll find curated articles, free courses, and recommended books to launch your research with confidence.

• How to Start Your Genealogy Research
  A step-by-step guide to launching your genealogy research, from documenting what you know to exploring the best databases.
• How Do Family Trees Work
  An overview of how family trees are structured, covering chart types, organizational methods, and how to get started digitally.
• How to Make a Family Tree
  A beginner’s guide to recording your family history using the two core chart forms — ancestral charts and family group sheets.
• How to Count Generations in a Family Tree
  Explains how to organize and count family generations, including how generation spans are calculated.
• How Far Back Can You Trace Your Family Tree
  Explores how far back most people can research, and the key factors that determine how deep your tree can go.
• Your Essential Genealogy Toolkit
  A curated directory of the best record databases, family tree software, and DNA testing kits to support your research.
• How to Hire a Genealogist
  Covers when and why to hire a professional genealogist, how to find the right one, and what it typically costs.
• Best Genealogy Books
  A curated list of essential books to help researchers at every level sharpen their skills and break through brick walls.
• Free Genealogy Courses
  An overview of free online genealogy courses from platforms like FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and Ancestry.
• Best Genealogy Software
  A comparison of the top genealogy software options to help you choose the best tool for building and managing your family tree.