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The Blog of Toledo Lucas County Public Library
Getting Started With Genealogy Research
Posted over 3 years ago by April S
First Steps in Genealogy Research
The first rule of genealogy: Begin with yourself and work backwards. STEP lTalk to parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, anyone in the family who is older than you. Ask the following questions:
SUGGESTION: Record the people you talk to as well as writing down their answers, and keep the recording. Always ask permission first to record the conversation. |

STEP 2Begin to fill in a genealogy chart with the information you have received. Fill in as many dates for births, marriages and deaths as you can. If you do not have exact dates, pencil in the approximate dates (ex., died 1870-1880, or born about 1908). Try one of these helpful family tree charts: Family Tree Chart 1Family Tree Chart 2 Family Tree Chart 3 Family Search allows you to create a free family tree online. |

STEP 3Begin collecting copies of death and birth certificates and marriage licenses. This step will involve money because all states charge for their copies. You will need to know the approximate date and the proper state and county. These records will give you information about the person and often about his or her parents. The Local History and Genealogy Department of the Library does have some records for Lucas County and can give you addresses for each state. Most state health departments have websites. |

STEP 4Begin reading a book about doing genealogy. These "how to" books will tell you about many sources of information for genealogical research. Most branch libraries, as well as Main Library, have circulating copies of these books. You will not be able to do actual research at the branches, but the "how-to" books will prepare you for the next step (see list of resources at the end). |

STEP 5Visit the Local History and Genealogy Department at Main Library. Bring your charts and plan to spend some time here. Our books do not circulate and must be used in the department. We are open:
Note: During Main Library's renovations (Sept. 2018-2019), Local History will be open by appointment only. Call 419.259.5233 for more information. |

STEP 6Join one or more genealogical organizations. See the list of local organizations below. |
Toledo Area Genealogical Societies
Genealogy by Computer Society |
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MEETINGSWhen: Where: PUBLICATIONSGenealogy by Computer Society Quarterly Newsletter DUES$10 - Individual CONTACTDon Hengen |
Journey Genealogy Group, African American Project of NW Ohio |
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MEETINGSWhen: Where: DUES$30 per person CONTACTAfrican-American Legacy Project Phone: (419) 720-4369 |
MEETINGSWhen: Where: PUBLICATIONSFort Industry Reflections (quarterly newsletter) and various books. SPECIAL PROGRAMSFirst Families of Lucas County DUES$15 - Individual CONTACTc/o Local History & Genealogy Department |
MEETINGSWhen: Where: PUBLICATIONSTAGS newsletter DUES$12 - Individual CONTACTToledo Area Genealogical Society |
Toledo Polish Genealogical Society |
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MeetingsWhen: Where: DUES$20 - Individual CONTACTPaulette Kwiatkowski |
MEETINGSWhen: Where: PUBLICATIONSG.S.M.C. Record, quarterly newsletter SPECIAL PROGRAMSAnnual Spring Seminar DUES$15 - Individual or Family CONTACTGenealogical Society of Monroe County, MI Email: gsmcmi@gsmcmi.org |
Genealogy Handbooks
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Online Genealogy Research
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A special thank you to the Local History staff for providing invaluable information for this helpful genealogy research guide.
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