What Records You Need to Start Your Genealogy (And Which Ones Can Wait)
One of the most common questions I hear is: What records do I actually need to begin working on my genealogy? The answer is simpler than many expect. You don’t need every record—just the right ones at the right time.
If you’re starting your family history, this guide will help you focus your efforts and avoid overwhelm.
The Core Records to Begin With
Start with records that establish identity, relationships, and locations.
1. Vital Records
These include:
Birth certificates
Marriage records
Death certificates
They provide foundational information like names, dates, parent names, and places. Keep in mind that depending on when you are researching, these records may be missing, damaged, or never existed. For example, since in many parts of the United States birth registrations didn’t become required by law until the beginning of the 20th century. There may be alternate records you can use, such as religious baptismal records if there’s no birth certificate available. But especially when you are researching more recent family members, vital records can be incredibly important and informative.
2. Census Records
Census records are used by governments to understand their residents, including ages, ethnicities, family makeup, and more. The United States has conducted a federal census every 10 years since 1790, although the specific information you can find on each census can vary (and, sorry to say, the 1890 census was mostly destroyed). Census records place families in a specific time and location, often revealing:
Household members
Ages and birthplaces
Occupations
They are especially helpful for tracking families over time. Be warned that since those taking the census (census enumerators) were often handwriting the information as they went door to door that spelling of names and specific details regarding birthplaces, ages, etc. can be inaccurate. It’s still a good starting point, but it’s good to be aware of the flaws in these records.
Learn more about using census records for genealogy in our beginner guide.
3. Obituaries, Funeral Records, and Cemetery Records
Obituaries are typically the most useful, and often contain:
Extended family names
Places of origin
Community connections
They’re excellent sources for confirming relationships, and thanks to the rise in digitized newspapers available online, you may be able to find obituaries from your computer with a search on Newspapers.com or NewspaperArchive.
Records You Can Wait On (For Now)
Advanced records—such as land deeds, probate files, or immigration manifests—are valuable, but usually best explored after the basics are established. This is especially true when you are a beginner at genealogy.
Starting too deep too soon can lead to confusion or incorrect conclusions. Gain familiarity with using vital records, census records, and obituaries; reading older records and the handwriting on them; and accessing records in the areas you research. This will help you gain skills you need for more complex records. Additionally, as you get deeper into your research, consider attending webinars or classes online about these more advanced records, so that you can use them effectively. (I recommend ConferenceKeeper for finding upcoming classes!)
Organizing as You Go
Create a simple system:
Minimal folders but enough to keep yourself organized—I have a “maternal” and a “paternal” folder, personally
Clear file names with (at minimum) year, surnames, and what the file is
Example from my files: Rourke Michael_1830_Land Purchase_Maidstone Ontario Ca_FS
Notes about where each record came from including a link or name of the repository—in an ideal world, this would be a full citation for the record, following what’s outlined in Evidence Explained
Good organization saves time and protects accuracy. Plus, if you hope to one day share your family history research, you will need to be able to cite each source you reference.
When Records Feel Confusing
Old handwriting, unfamiliar terminology, and conflicting information are common challenges. This is often where working with a professional genealogist becomes especially helpful.
A strong foundation makes every future discovery more reliable and meaningful.