Genealogy is a collection of relating names, dates and places and provides the framework for a Family History compilation. A Family History contains not only a genealogical collection but a textual story and history of individuals and the events that shaped their lives. The profession of genealogy recognizes equally the different audiences these two directions reach.

Probably, no other topic in genealogy is more important than knowing how to "trace your family tree" effectively. The quality and quantity of your performance here will determine your success or failure in your genealogical work! Your knowledge on the basics will be the podium upon which your project will succeed or fall into a maze of frustration and discouragement.

Remember, it is a genealogical axiom that only organized genealogists succeed. Inexperience or a poor memory is not the main cause or failure; it is the lack of a good note-keeping system and organized research strategies.

By proceeding through the links provided at the top of the page, you should have a very good start. However, there is another source of introductory guidance that you may wish to investigate. It is an online (free) course found at the Genealogy.com website.

Read the whole online "book" on Getting Started by Brian Hutchison