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Try a free genealogy search of the major genealogy sites to learn if  your surnames and your ancestors are in their records before you subscribe.   While these searches may not actually show the data, they will help you determine if there is data available with your ancestors included. 

Getting Your Ancestor Search Started

If you have an interest in finding out more about your family lineage, you've come to the right place. It's time to get started on a genealogy search! You'll want to create a chart with individual family members' names on it. Start with your own including your full name, birth date, marriage date, and any maiden name.

The next step you should take is to write down any family members names, birthdays and death dates as far back as you can go. Ask older relatives and anyone who might help you fill in more of your history. Create a family tree on a blank piece of paper or on a family tree template that you can find online.

Decide on which branch of the family tree you want to research. It's best to limit it to one side of the family at first and go back and do another branch later. This will allow you to focus your energies. Next, decide if there is just one particular ancestor you will search for, or if you'd like to find familymembers back to a certain period of time. Now that you have your search qualifications, it's time to begin your hunt.

Passenger Lists, Immigration & Naturalization Records

Many people who know their ancestors came to America from a foreign country also know how they arrived. If you happen to know that your relative came through Ellis Island, you can easily trace when they came through and get a copy of the Passenger List from the ship they were on. You can do this via the Ellis Island web site, www.ellisisland.org.

You will need the first and last name of the person, their approximate or actual birth date and their gender to get started. You will then be able to see where they sailed from, their age at departure, and the ships manifest showing them as a passenger. Another way to find immigration and naturalization records is to go through the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at www.uscis.gov. You can find the forms to request records of your family member's immigration and/or naturalization status. The fees vary but are minimal.

Organize your Genealogy Findings

The way you choose to organize the materials you find is completely up to you, but you will want to have some system in mind before the papers start piling up—and there will be a lot of them as your search goes on. One suggestion is to dedicate a fireproof filing cabinet just to your search. You can color code each family member's papers with a different color and label. You'll likely be requesting official copies of the certificates you find, so you will want to make sure they are kept in a locked, fireproof place.

Many companies offer dedicated filing systems for genealogy purposes. You might want to investigate software programs that allow you to input information as you uncover it—and then back that computer up! But at minimum, you'll want to keep waterproof file boxes for folders of information. Store them away from any area that could flood or become damp and moldy or sun scorched.

Whether you'll be researching just for fun or to prove a citizenship or for other legal matters, you can easily find the records you need with a bit of dedicated searching.