The first rule of genealogy is to begin with yourself.  Work from what you know to the unknown, assembling evidence each step of the way.

Next, collect data from your immediate family .The elders in the family do not live indefinitely regardless of age or health and it is important to record everything that they can remember.

Whenever conceivable, conduct a one-on-one interview.  Let your relatives know that you are coming , as well as the type of information you are seeking .  With permission, use recording equipment.  Take accurate and clear notes .  Prepare for your interview by making a checklist of questions to remind you to ask the three key  questions:  who, when and where . These questions will increase your genealogy know how and family tree research .

However, be prepared to follow the lead from the person being interviewed .  There will be surprises along the way ; beflexible with your interview style and be open to the discourse and the stories that may follow . If one can’t interview a relative personally , write a note that is personal in tone .  If the letter  goes unanswered, a phone call may be necessary .  Writing may be difficult for an elderly person who might be interested in sharing information.  If this is the reason , a phone call will be helpful.

It is important to recognize that not everyone will be as interested or excited about family history and genealogy .
Use photos as a tool .  Often photos refresh the memory, and unlock fragments of family data long forgotten.  

Reassure people that you will be careful with the material loaned to you .  Respect the information they loan to you.  Often relatives are reluctant to lend a family treasure , so be prepared to photograph memorbilia whenever they cannot be taken from the home .

Offer to share your research .  Keep your word .  After entering compiling data on  a family history sheet and pedigree chart , send  the information to the person who has shared with you   the information .

Be  certain to ask if there is a family bible and where it might be .  Family bibles can contain information about   marriages, births and deaths carefully written on pages inside .

Ask if others in the family has researched the family tree . If so, ask how you can obtain a copy

Family heirlooms often contains clues :

  • places and names are printed on the backside of old photos .
  • Written messages on the inside of a book commemorating a birthday or a vacation .
  • Family scrapbooks that contain newspaper obituaries and articles , concert programs , graduations and plays .
  • Monogrammed silver.

There are an endless variety of family artifacts :

  • Certificates and other family records – birth baptism, confirmation , marriage ,  death and burial , wills, divorce and lawsuits . 
  • Adoption papers
  • Diaries
  • Memorial Cards
  • Report cards  

Develop a method to organize the material . Organizing what you have collected is difficult if you don’t have a method .  You will want to create a filing system using both electronic and traditional techniques.  Use binders or folders with the surname as the label, putting items relating to that surname together. Later when you have time , go though each folder or binder carefuly, extracting pertinent information.

Make sure to cross reference your paper files to your electronic files .

Don’t forget to backup your family tree research in another location .  Many invaluable family collections have been destroyed by fire or water , as well as simply by the apathy of others who did not know they were handling did not know the value of the irreplacable family artifacts .