A guide to conducting genealogical research, focusing on the role of electronic databases, computer programs, and Internet resources in revolutionizing the process of tracing family histories. Includes charts, forms, exercises, Web site addresses, and bibliographies.

A companion to the PBS television series: Ancestors, a ten-part series celebrating the significance of family history.

In this easy-to-use reference guide, family historian Grace DuMelle provides the means to trace Chicago connections like a pro. She shows not just what to research, but how to research. Without wading through preliminaries, readers choose any of the self-contained chapters that focus on the questions beginners most want answered. Other chapters cover the nuts and bolts of the mechanics that are the key to making a family's past come alive, with highlights summarizing important points. In finding Chicago ancestors, readers will better understand not only their family's history, but also their involvement in the history of a great American city. Midwest Independent Publishers Association Book Award - 1st Place - Hobby/How- To Illinois Woman's Press Association Book Award - 1st Place - Instructional Nonfiction National Federation of Press Women Book Award - 3rd Place - Instructional Nonfiction The Chicago Roots of Your Family Tree For almost 175 years, a great metropolis on the shores of a freshwater sea has sent a siren call to immigrants internal and external, giving most Americans some kind of link to the City of Big Shoulders. Whether your people came west from New England in the early days of settlement, or north from Mississippi in the Great Migration; whether they sailed from Sweden and Sicily, or flew from Budapest and Prague; whether they settled here permanently or temporarily, this easy-to-use reference guide will help you document them. Family historian Grace DuMelle provides the means to trace your Chicago connections like a pro. She shows you not just what to research, but how to research. Without wading through lots of preliminaries, choose any of the self-contained chapters that focus on the questions beginners most want answered and jump right in! Where do I start? When and where was my ancestor born? When did my ancestor come to America? What did my ancestor do for a living? Where did my ancestor live? Where is my ancestor buried? Other chapters cover the nuts and bolts of the mechanics that are the key to making your family's past come alive, with highlights summarizing important points: Examples of documents such as death certificates, church registers and U.S. census entries. Chicago-area research facilities: what they have and how to access it. Researching using newspapers, machines and catalogs. Sources for specific ethnic research. Sources for long-distance research. In finding your Chicago ancestors, you will not only better understand your and your family's history, but also your and your family's involvement in the history of a great American city.

A step-by-step guide to researching your family tree. Interested in doing your family tree but don’t know how? Genealogy for Beginners covers everything you need to get started researching your family history or continue a project you’ve already started. You’ll get practical suggestions from an experienced genealogist, and detailed, step-by-step instructions for carrying out a quality family history research. Topics covered include: Getting started with a family history research project Discovering which subscription services are worth the price Using Ancestry.com effectively Finding obituaries Interviewing family members Preserving and organizing paper and digital files, plus photographs Getting the most out of DNA testing for genealogy Conducting cemetery research Finding and interpreting non-US records Doing cultural and ethnic heritage research Finding professional researchers and translators Keeping up with the genealogy news With this book in hand, you’re sure to succeed.

This book guides you through the complexities of Canadian genealogical records, from provincial and ecclesiastical archives to the extensive holdings of Library and Archives Canda. Combining traditional, hands-onn techniques with introductions to the latest online resources, this book gives you the best start on the hunt for your canadian roots.

A Beginner's Guide to Finding Your Ancestors Have you always wanted to find out more about your family and where you came from, but never knew where to begin? Look no further - Family History 101 will teach you proven techniques to help you uncover the names, dates, and stories that lie in your past. You will be eased into family history with: Straightforward tips on tapping the power of the internet. Checklists, forms, case studies, and illustrations that make getting started fun and easy. Guidance on maximizing existing information, finding more, and what it all means. Tips and techniques for recording and sharing all the wonderful family data you will uncover. Newcomers to genealogy, schoolteachers, and anyone interested in uncovering the fascinating roots of their family tree will appreciate the reliable, step-by-step instruction and dependable approach to the basics provided by Family History 101. Start learning about the past and your family's place in it today!

Become more proficient with searching the site. Explore obscure databases you didnt know existed. Create and develop your own family tree. You will learn to do all of these things and more in The Official Guide to Ancestry.com.