Where Do I Start? Family history research involves five basic steps. Each step is briefly explained below. Staff members at a Family History Center will be glad to help you complete these steps. It is helpful if you have already done steps 1 and 2 before visiting the center. Step 1: Identify What You Know about Your Family Step 2: Decide What You Want to Learn about Your Family Step 3: Select Records to Search Step 4: Obtain and Search the Record Step 5: Use the Information   Step 1: Identify What You Know about Your Family (Click the Pedigree Chart button at the left to view a pedigree chart that you can print from your computer.) Write what you know about your ancestors on the pedigree chart. Start with yourself (no.1). If you don't know exact dates or places, estimate them. Gather more information from family members and relatives. Look at family Bibles, journals, letters, obituaries, and other records. When you find new information, write it on your pedigree chart.   Step 2: Decide What You Want to Learn about Your Family (Click the Research Log button at the left to view a research log that you can print from your computer.) Choose an ancestor from the pedigree chart about whom you would like to know more. If possible, select an ancestor who was born before 1900. Identify questions you want to answer about your ancestor, such as "When and where did he die?" Select one question as the objective. In general, find out about the ancestor's death before the marriage and the marriage before the birth. On the research log, write your ancestor's name, the objective (event in question), approximate date of the event, and the locality (place of the event).   Step 3: Select Records to Search There are two main types of genealogical records: Compiled records: Records of previous research by others, such as a biography, family history, or genealogy. Original records: Records created at or near the time of an event, such as birth, marriage, death, or census records. Generally, when selecting records-- First search compiled records. Then search original records. Read the descriptions of the various records below. Then select the record(s) most likely to help you reach your objective. Compiled Records Available at Family History Centers Several large compilations of family history information are available at Family History Centers, including a system of computer files called FamilySearch™. Ancestral File is a FamilySearch™ computer file that contains genealogies of families from around the world. The information is mostly about deceased people and is linked into pedigrees to show their ancestors and descendants. The file contains millions of names. International Genealogical Index (IGI) lists dates and places of birth, christening, and marriage. It includes people who lived during the early 1500s to the early 1900s. The information is found on FamilySearch™ computers and on microfiche. This file contains hundreds of millions of names. Family Histories are listed by surname (last name) in the Family History Library Catalog. (This catalog describes records from around the world that are found at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.) Biographies, Genealogies, and Histories are also listed in the Family History Library Catalog. Other compiled FamilySearch™ files include the Scottish Church Records and a Military Index. Original Records Social Security Death Index is a FamilySearch™ computer file listing millions of people who have died in the United States since 1962. This index was created from the files of the United States Social Security Administration. An ancestor's Social Security number is not needed to use the index. Other Original Records can be found by using the Family History Library Catalog. Find the specific locality where the event took place and the type of record, for example, "Illinois, Cook, Chicago­Vital Records." Look for records such as vital or civil registration records (birth, marriage, death), cemetery, census, church, probate, emigration, or other records. After you find records you want to search, write the record(s) you selected on your research log.   Step 4: Obtain and Search the Record When you are at the Family History Center, you will want to: Obtain the record Use the call number from the Family History Library Catalog to locate a microfilm, microfiche, or book. If necessary, ask a staff member to assist you in obtaining the record. Read the record Instructions for operating microfilm and microfiche readers are on the machines. A staff member will assist you in operating the computer. Instructions that explain how to read and use some of the records are also available.   Search the record Look for facts and clues. Search broad time periods. Check for spelling variations. Record the results on the research log. You may make a photocopy of what you find. Even if you do not find anything, note that on your log. This will help you avoid searching the same record again at a later time. If you need help, ask a staff member at the Family History Center.   Step 5: Use the Information Evaluate the information found. Did you find the information you were looking for? Is the information complete? Does it conflict with other information you already have? Copy new information onto the pedigree chart. You can also obtain copies of a family group record from a staff member and record information there. Organize newly acquired records. File photocopies in a convenient, organized way, such as by family. Share the information. Share your newly discovered information with interested family members.     What Next? When you reach this point, start the process again. Select a new objective, based on what you now know about your family. FamilySearch is a trademark of Intellectual Reserve, Inc.