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How to Find the History of Your Ancestors

Tracing the history of your ancestors can be likened to a jigsaw puzzle, as you fit pieces of your ancestors' past together. Tracing their history may lead you to different areas of the country and even across oceans. It may take you to tracking different occupations through the years as well. In the course of your research, it is helpful to study the history of your ancestral homeland.

Instructions

- 1
  Talk to family members. Write down everything and be sure to note the date of the interview. Remember your parents, your great great aunt and even old family friends.
- 2
  Track down grandparents and other family members using census records. The U.S. Census records date back to 1790. These records will reveal a great deal of information, depending on the year.
- 3
  Check city directories to confirm addresses or occupations. These are generally found at your local library or local historical society.
- 4
  Search for your immigrant ancestor's arrival. Ellis Island welcomed over 12 million immigrants to their new home in the United States. (Not only might the record reveal your immigrant's last residence and destination, but also who she traveled with on her voyage.
- 5
  Research the history of your ancestral homeland. It may give you clues why your ancestor immigrated when he did or how he lived and survived where he was born. For example, if your ancestor lived in the Ukraine in 1932 to 1933, he would have suffered through genocide. At the height of the Soviet engineered famine, it is said that 17 villagers perished every minute. Understanding the local history may help you understand the background surrounding your ancestor.

Other Collecting