5 Ways to Learn About Your Family Origins

Every person should know their family history and where they come from. This goes beyond knowing names and birthdates, although that is a good place to start. How can a person learn about their family origins? The following guide will help in this process. 

Basic Family Tree

Create a basic family tree with all the information that is currently known. This will include parents, siblings, aunts, and uncles, among others. Use full names when doing so, and include birth dates for each family member. If photographs are available, include them as well. Future generations will appreciate this. 

Many people choose to include personal information about each family member. This allows others to learn more about who they were, what they liked, and what made them special. This doesn’t have to be done, but it is a nice touch that will be appreciated. In fact, this would make a great Christmas gift. 

Speak with Family Members

Once all basic information has been entered into the family tree, reach out to the family to get more information. Have them provide additional information about various family members and expand the tree. 

When doing so, write down any stories they tell. While some stories may seem unbelievable, there is likely some truth to them. Learn where each person was born, what they did for a living, what their parents were like, and more. This brings each person in the family tree to life for others who may not have known them. 

Turn to the Internet

With this basic information in hand, visit ancestry sites on the internet. See what information matches the details other people have shared on these sites. This is a great way to connect with distant family members and find new people in the family tree. 

Some sites charge a fee. However, take advantage of free trials to see which sites will be helpful. These sites contain a wealth of information in the form of censuses, military records, and more. It’s a great way to expand on the information that has already been found, although family secrets may also come to light. 

Explore Different Cultures

Take a break from the research to explore the countries of your ancestors. For example, if a great-great-grandfather came from Poland, try a dish from Poland and learn to speak a few words in his native language.

Spend time learning about the countries of your ancestors to become closer to them. Many people find they have a tradition that has been passed down through the family that came from one of these countries. They never knew this before conducting the research, but the tradition means more to them now that they have this information. 

Share What Has Been Learned

Never keep this information private. Find a way to gather it all together and share it with other family members. There are many ways to preserve this information and allow others to expand on it. A time capsule is one fun way to do so, but there are countless other methods that can be used. 

Once the information has been shared, ask recipients to add to it. They can share nicknames of loved ones, favorite stories, and more. These memories will be passed down through the generations and allow kids, grandkids, and more to learn about where they came from. 

Begin exploring your family origins today. People who do so find the more they learn the more they wish to know. There is a treasure trove of information just waiting to be found, and now is the time to uncover it.