Intro to Genealogy: A Beginner’s Guide

I am excited to announce the first blog series for Ancestea - Intro to Genealogy: A Beginner's Guide. There are dozens of genealogy introduction series out there, but I hope you find something worth while in the 10-post series releasing over the next couple of months.

Whether you're starting from scratch or seeking to learn new tricks, this series is designed to walk you through some essential steps to genealogical research.

What You’ll Learn in This Series

Genealogy can feel a bit overwhelming at times, no matter how long you have been researching. Over the next ten posts, I'll break down the basics into simple, practical, and approachable topics that will help you avoid common pitfalls and build a solid foundation for your research. I will also attach links to additional tools and resources that I have found useful over the years.

Here’s what to expect in the series:

1. How to Start Your Family Tree: A Beginner’s Guide

Where to begin, what to look for at home, and how to organize your first steps.

2. What Records Should You Start With?

The most useful beginner-friendly records—census, vital records, obits, directories—and where to find them.

3. Common Mistakes Beginner Genealogists Make (And How to Avoid Them)

From assuming family stories are fact to forgetting to cite your sources, learn the pitfalls to dodge early.

4. Understanding the Genealogy Research Process

How professionals approach research: asking questions, analyzing records, and documenting what they find.

5. What’s the Difference Between Genealogy and Family History?

One is factual, the other anecdotal—and both are essential to telling your family's story.

6. How Does DNA Fit Into Genealogy?

Autosomal, Y-DNA, mtDNA, ethnicity estimates, and using DNA to confirm (or shake up) your tree.

7. Adoption & Unknown Parentage: How Genealogy Can Help

Sensitive guidance for those searching for biological family using DNA and traditional records.

8. Archives vs. Ancestry: When to Go Beyond Online Records

Not everything is digitized—learn what’s offline and when to consider hiring a professional.

9. Why Hire a Professional Genealogist?

What we do, when to get help, and how working with an expert can take your research further.

10. What’s Next? How to Take Your Research Further

Keeping the momentum going: writing your history, joining groups, and learning more.

Let’s Get Started

Whether you're researching for fun, for your kids, or to answer a lifelong question, this series will give you the tools to move forward. I believe genealogy should be accessible to everyone, but proper research should be every genealogist's first priority. When you're ready to begin, head over to the first post: How to Start Your Family Tree (coming soon!).

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