How to Start Your Family History: A Beginner’s Guide

Every family has a story. Some stories are told often, while others are quietly waiting in records, photographs, and memories to be rediscovered. I grew up with a mix—on the one hand, surrounded by family videos and photos of my immediate family, on the other hand unaware of and disconnected from some of the biggest family stories in my genealogy.

If you’ve ever felt curious about your roots but unsure where to begin, you’re not alone. Starting genealogy can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. With a thoughtful, step-by-step approach, anyone can begin uncovering their family history. I’m always amazed at the little details that get forgotten over time but show up in what I uncover during my research.

This guide will walk you through the first steps, help you avoid common pitfalls, and show you when additional support may be helpful. If you haven’t done genealogy before, or you want to make sure you are approaching your research in a sustainable, accurate way, this guide is for you.

Note: What’s below doesn’t get too deeply into the logistics like software, websites, etc. but we’ll get to that eventually too! You can sign up for our email list if you’d like to get alerted to new posts like this one.

Step 1: Begin With What You Know

The best place to start genealogy is with yourself.

Write down:

  • Your full name

  • Birth date and place

  • Parents’ and grandparents’ names

  • Approximate dates or locations if exact details aren’t known

You don’t need perfect information. Even partial details provide a foundation to build upon. If you really want to ace this from the start, having official records of these things is ideal. That might include copies of your birth certificate, your parents’ marriage certificate, or a family Bible. Even partial information matters—genealogy is built one detail at a time.

Step 2: Talk to Family Members

Some of the most valuable genealogical information comes from conversation, not records.

Speak with relatives—especially older family members—and ask:

  • Where did our family come from?

  • What were the names of your grandparents on either side of the family?

  • Who were the people in earlier generations that you remember?

  • Are there family stories or traditions that stand out?

Remember to ask open-ended questions. Some of the best stories come out during casual conversation, but you have to be willing to listen. At the same time, gather documents such as birth and marriage records, obituaries, photographs, letters, and family Bibles. If family members prefer to keep these items in their possession, you can photograph them with a smartphone, scan with a scanner, or take to your local library for help making copies.

You may also enjoy reading more about Talking to Family About Their History

Step 3: Gather Documents and Photographs

Documents like this are the foundation of genealogical research. What exists can vary by time, family and culture, but finding some combination of these types of records is important. Look for:

  • Birth, marriage, and death records

  • Obituaries and funeral cards

  • Letters, postcards, and journals

  • Family Bibles or scrapbooks

These items connect names to real people’s life events and often contain clues that guide further research.

Related reading: What Records You Need to Start Genealogy Research

Step 4: Create One Research Question

Instead of trying to research your entire family tree at once, choose one initial guiding question, such as:

  • Who were the parents of my maternal grandmother?

  • Where was my paternal great-grandfather born?

  • When did my paternal grandmother immigrate to this country?

A single question gives your research direction and keeps it manageable. It also keeps you from browsing records aimlessly, which can lead to repeated research efforts or frustrating brick walls. Then, once you feel you have an answer or a hypothesis for that question, you can move on to other questions. These questions—called research questions in genealogy—are the building blocks of what genealogists do.

Read more about how to create a research question to guide your genealogy research.

Step 5: Explore Free Genealogy Records

Many valuable genealogy records are available online at no cost, including census records and local historical collections. One excellent resource with many of these records is FamilySearch, which offers free registration and records access. Your community may have other ways to access free records if you prefer that to subscriptions to sites like Ancestry.

My personal favorite local resource like this is the Wisconsin Historical Society Library and Archives, where you can use their computers to access library versions of Ancestry, MyHeritage, and FamilySearch (which offers extended records access beyond what you can see at home), browse the six floors (!) of genealogy materials in the stacks, or use their microfilm readers to look at newspapers from around the United States. Other than paying for parking, there’s no cost to use any of these resources!

Helpful guide: Using Census Records for Beginners

Step 6: Understand When to Seek Professional Help

It’s common to reach a point where records become difficult to find or information feels contradictory.

A professional genealogist can help:

  • Navigate complex records

  • Interpret documents

  • Break through research roadblocks

  • Add historical context

  • Ensure accuracy and provide documentation

Learn more: When to Hire a Professional Genealogist

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting Genealogy

  • Not necessarily. You can begin your family history with paper, a notebook, or a simple document on your computer. Free resources like FamilySearch and local libraries provide access to many records. Software and subscriptions can be helpful later, but they aren’t required at the beginning. The most important thing is to have a way to track what you’re finding and where you’ve found it.

  • That’s very common. Many people start with little information. Records, documents, and local resources often reveal details even when family stories are limited or missing. Starting with what is known—even small details—can still lead to meaningful discoveries.

  • It depends on location, record availability, and family circumstances. Some people reach the 1700s or earlier, while others encounter gaps sooner. Keep in mind that if you see trees going back to the 1300s on genealogy sites, many of those are folks who have just accepted what’s written on others’ trees—not information based on research. Genealogy is less about how far back you go and more about building accurate, well-supported research one step at a time.

  • Conflicting details are normal in genealogy. Names, dates, and places often vary between records. This is where careful evaluation—and sometimes professional guidance—helps determine what is most likely correct.

  • If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about the accuracy of your research, a professional genealogist can help clarify next steps, interpret records, and ensure your work is well documented. Many people seek help after completing the beginner steps outlined in this guide.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

At Prairie Roots Genealogy, I help individuals and families uncover their stories with care, clarity, and respect for the past.

Whether you’re just beginning or facing a long-standing family mystery, professional guidance can make your research more meaningful—and far less frustrating.

Next Steps

  • Read the linked beginner blog posts (or just read our blog)

  • Join the email list for future tutorials and genealogy stories

  • Download a quick worksheet (coming soon)

Explore genealogy research services

Every family has a story. Let’s uncover yours together.