The quest to find out more about your ancestors can be quite exciting. Learning about your family tree can instill a sense of identity and help you learn about customs and traditions. Unfortunately, we can’t travel back in time through our family history. We must put in a lot of effort to find about the decedents. If you’re stuck on your genealogy research and looking for leads, here are five tips that might help you out:
The organization is the key
Genealogy research is a complex and resource-intensive process. You must keep track of your progress to ensure you spend your time on research more efficiently. You must effectively organize and save everything you find. You may create an online database on a spreadsheet to make changes and modify the content as you progress. You can online genealogical databases and other resources and compile them into a single database to connect the dots.
Go through your family scruff
As a genealogist, you must put yourself in the shoes of a detective. You don’t need to possess the analytical skills of Sherlock Holmes. Simply dive into your family stuff to find photos, letters, notes, etc. You must look for clues and patterns that may help uncover your family history. Analyzing these items can also help substantiate your theory during the research. You’ll be surprised to see how many valuable details are hiding in plain sight at your home.
Pay a visit to your elderly
If you can’t find items that connect to your ancestors, it’s alright. You can also speak to your older relatives to learn more about your heritage. They’re like a walking library that can unravel family facts and stories that might help you put some puzzles together. If you find some old photos in your home and can’t identify the people or places in them, they can be of assistance. Moreover, they can tell you stories that might help you learn more about your family tree.
Generate leads
As a genealogist, research is your primary arsenal, and you shouldn’t be shy of using it. It doesn’t only involve visiting libraries and searching online directories. Take a step further and try to connect with people who share your ancestral surname. Talk to people who come from your hometown to learn more details about your ancestors. Do your homework and compile all the information to ensure better research.
Manage your expectations
In the end, you’re never sure that you’ll be able to find your ancestors — no matter how much effort you put in. You must be looking at the wrong places or don’t have access to enough resources. It’s important that you manage your expectations and don’t put any undue pressure on yourself. You can hire a professional genealogical expert to maximize leads and find out more about your family heritage.
Do you want to find out about your ancestors and visit the place where they lived? Get in touch with us today! At My Ireland Family Heritage, we help people trace their ancestors and learn about their lives. We have been serving people for the last 20 years in the fields of Irish Genealogy and tourism.
Call +353 1 689-0008 or visit our website for more information.
