How to Start Your Family Tree

1 Start with what you know

Start your family tree
using your parents, grandparents, and
immediate family members.

2 Struggle with name variations?

Learn about Name Variations
and why your family name didn't change
at Ellis Island (learn the urban myth!).

3U.S. Military Records

Pro tip: Our military records cover people
who may not have served in the military.
See draft registration cards and
enlistment records

5 Search the U.S. Census

Search the U.S. census
and compare conflicting info
with Vital Records collections.

4Newspaper archives

Newspaper archives
are invaluable
resources to find detail about your U.S. family history and
tales from Great Britain.