Researching the family tree is one of the fasting growing hobbies in America: it’s estimated that more than 19 million people currently are searching for their ancestors! The good news for them and for any of you considering such a search is that availability of new information in print and on the Internet is helping to make the process both faster and easier.

Start close to home

My advice to beginners is to start close to home. That is, gather all of the information that you can from close family members, more distant relatives and family friends. Talk to the eldest members of your family first. Search your home or those of your relatives for vital records, family Bibles, photographs, diaries, church records, genealogies, and obituaries. These sources will provide very valuable and helpful information.

Also for beginners, I often recommend enrolling in a basic genealogy class, because the research process must be a very organized one. It helps to understand right up front what will be involved and how to organize your records and other materials. You can find such classes sponsored by local historical societies, libraries and universities—or online.

Always have a plan

Whether beginner or advanced researcher, I always recommend establishing a research plan. Genealogical "how-to" books provide information on research methodology and the many resources available for researching your family’s roots. The Researchers Guide to American Genealogy, 3rd edition, by Val D. Greenwood and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Genealogy by Christine Rose and Kay Germain are excellent guides. Unpuzzling Your Past Workbook by Emily Ann Croom contains samples of the essential forms and letters you will need for contacting genealogists and exploring other sources.

There are also some valuable research aids available to the more advanced researcher, too. Val Greenwood’s book mentioned above is helpful as is The Source: a Guidebook of American Genealogy, edited by Loretto Dennis Szucs and Sandra Hargreaves Luebking. Whether currently researching their family or planning to resume a project, advanced researchers should periodically review all previously gathered information and genealogical forms. This helps both to track progress and identify missing or updated information.

Good record keeping helps

Again, whether beginner or advanced researcher, always remember to record all gathered genealogical data on the appropriate forms. Care should be taken to ensure that sources are properly cited. And a record of all of the sources researched and the result of these searches should be recorded on a project-tracking calendar.

It’s also helpful—and often inspirational—to connect with others who are conducting similar types of research. Genealogical roundtables offer a source of both information and networking with area individuals who are also researching their family history. Local roundtables are sponsored by the Bridgeport Public Library, Fairfield Historical Society, and the Fairfield Senior Center.