Info needed to research family name

[PhxPoppy]

I am Scot/Irish on my father's side of the family. I know nothing about our heritage or where we descended from, but I would really like to learn more and possibly trace my ancestry. Does anyone have any good sites or information about how to begin such a quest? My parents and grandparents have all passed on, but I do have a little information as far as names. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Rob

[Tattoo Bradley]

Stick around and you'll surely find the answers you seek...

[macwilkin]

I am Scot/Irish on my father's side of the family. I know nothing about our heritage or where we descended from, but I would really like to learn more and possibly trace my ancestry. Does anyone have any good sites or information about how to begin such a quest? My parents and grandparents have all passed on, but I do have a little information as far as names. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Rob

Rob,

As a former genealogical librarian, I always advise beginners to visit their local public library's genealogy department, and/or the local genealogical society. Both organizations should have "how-to" classes and materials for the beginning genealogist, as well as to network with others.

The internet is a great source for genealogical information, but I still advise newbies to start "on the ground" in the library first and get your feet wet that way.

Remember to work your way back from yourself, and DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT -- I can't stress that enough.

Regards,

Todd

[JimB]

Try www.familysearch.org.
Good luck

[Cawdorian]

Welcome to the forum!



You can try www.rootsweb.com there is a lot of information on their website, they have a great search engine and best of all, it's free. As Todd notes the key is documentation, be sure and look at the source notes on the posted information, look for the entries that reference census, birth records, death records, church records, military records, wills and pension records. Othewise you may wind up copying and passing on someone else's mistake. You will see many examples of mistakes that are copied over and over again, some are quite obvious.

Beware genealogy is very addicting.

[Splash_4]

There are many places to research genealogy, but the Mormons about have it locked up with their family research libraries. The sites listed above are also good for web based searching.

[Retro Red]

Hey Rob,

In about 2 months, bring as much family history info as you've got (full names, date & place of birth, etc.) to the Highland Games at MCC the last weekend of February (24th & 25th) & they always have a tent set up for Scottish geneology research. Make them one of your first stops & give them plenty of time & you may be pleasantly surprised at what they can find for you. And here's the best part - it's free!

(Yet another shameless plug for our local Games.) :rolleyes:
.

[PhxPoppy]

Thanks for the info. Hopefully I will be able to start on this journey of discovery and find out about my heritage.