Getting Started With Genealogy Research
Posted on September 25, 2017
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 1 Family 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: 2nd Saturday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Where: Toledo Lucas County Public Library Main Library, Huntington Meeting Room 325 Michigan Street Toledo, OH 43604 PUBLICATIONSGenealogy by Computer Society Quarterly Newsletter DUES$10 – Individual $15 – Family CONTACTDon Hengen Phone: (419) 878-2365 Email: dhengen@buckeye-express.com |
Journey Genealogy Group, African American Project of NW Ohio |
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MEETINGSWhen: 2nd Saturday of each month from 1-3:00 p.m. (September – June) Where: 1326 Collingwood Blvd. Toledo, OH 43610 DUES$30 per person CONTACTAfrican-American Legacy Project 1326 Collingwood Blvd. Toledo, OH 43610 Phone: (419) 720-4369 |
Ohio Genealogical Society, Lucas County Chapter |
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MEETINGSWhen: 3rd Saturday of each month at 2:00 p.m. (except December and January) Where: Toledo Lucas County Public Library Main Library, Huntington Meeting Room 325 Michigan Street Toledo, OH 43604 PUBLICATIONSFort Industry Reflections (quarterly newsletter) and various books. SPECIAL PROGRAMSFirst Families of Lucas County First Families of Ohio Ohio Genealogical Society Convention DUES$15 – Individual $20 – Family CONTACTc/o Local History & Genealogy Department 325 Michigan Street Toledo, OH 43604 |
Toledo Area Genealogical Society |
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MEETINGSWhen: 2nd Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. (September – June) Where: First United Church of Christ 7420 Erie St. Sylvania, OH 43560 PUBLICATIONSTAGS newsletter DUES$12 – Individual $17 – Dual (two people/one address) CONTACTToledo Area Genealogical Society P.O. Box 352258 Toledo OH 43635-2258 |
Toledo Polish Genealogical Society |
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MeetingsWhen: 3rd Saturday of Each Month from 10 a.m. – noon (September – June) Where: St. Michael’s School 420 Sandusky Toledo, OH 43611 DUES$20 – Individual $25 – Couples, Families or Organizations CONTACTPaulette Kwiatkowski TPGS Secretary 7164 Venetian Bay Ct. Maumee, OH 43537 |
Genealogical Society of Monroe County, Michigan Inc. |
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MEETINGSWhen: 1st Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. (September – June) Where: Monroe County Community College 1555 S. Raisinville Rd. Monroe, MI 48161 PUBLICATIONSG.S.M.C. Record, quarterly newsletter SPECIAL PROGRAMSAnnual Spring Seminar DUES$15 – Individual or Family CONTACTGenealogical Society of Monroe County, MI P.O. Box 1428 Monroe, MI 48161-6428 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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