Genealogy and Family History Resources

Genealogical and Family History information can be found in many place including government documents (census data, immigration & military records; birth, death and marriage certificates); historical newspapers; maps, city directories, and cemetery records; as well as many societies, organizations, and websites dedicated to historical research (such as the National Genealogical Society or Ancestry.com).  

This guide has tabs for National and State & Local resources, though there may be some overlap.

The basic steps of genealogy

1. Start with living relatives - collect stories and documents
2. Go back in time generation by generation
3. Seek evidence (also known as primary sources--official documents, materials, etc.)
4. Be critical of all information sources (including relatives and the Internet)
5. Keep good notes and organized files

Don't

• Start with I'm related to someone famous
• Start with my family immigrated from a specific country
• Believe everything you find on the Internet

Top Ten Genealogy Mistakes to Avoid