NEW - Family History Lessons HERE!

I know that Family History (Genealogy) has changed so much since I began my searching.  I started when I was 11 and now I am into my 60’s.  When I started, I wrote tons of letters, made many copies of my work by hand, forgot to document anything, made incorrect assumptions, and moved forward two steps and back one.  I have learned much in these many years. 

I have worked in the Family History Center at a time where we ordered hundreds of films a year for patrons to view.  Our centers were full and all microfilm readers had waiting lists to use them.  Then the computer came on the scene.  It was a great tool for everyone.  Things at the center have changed.  Not many films are ordered, patrons drop by for shorter research stays, and the Internet has made it possible for research to be done right from home.  

When people came into the FHC, they learned how to do research one step at a time.  They asked a staff member how to start and one step led to another.  The steps were pretty simple, fill out a Pedigree Chart and Family Group Sheet, order films like Census Records, and begin. 

Searching on the Internet is much the same.  Start with the same basics and take one step at a time.  One thing learned will lead to another way to search. 

I see lots of people that feel overwhelmed when it comes to genealogy.  They look at this elephant as way to difficult to even take one bite at a time.  They feel a responsibility to search for their family for a variety of reasons but get stopped before they even start.  That is why I feel I need to step in and see if I can help them.

I have taught several classes at the Family History Center but I feel there is a need to teach those that are unable to come to the center because of a variety of reasons.  I know there are lessons online in hundreds of places and reinventing the wheel is not what I intend.  My goal is to help you move from step to step using many of the tools that are already available but making it logical for YOU to find. 

Because the very first name on your records will begin with YOU and then go to your parents, immediately we each will go in a different direction.  That poses a great dilemma when trying to teach research.  Hopefully you will ask for help when needed and let us help you find the direction you should go.

Let’s begin gathering your family together.  Follow along with the lessons.  Please let me know if you have any questions along the way.  If you have them, then others probably do also.  I am squeezing these lessons into a busy schedule so please forgive me for not getting all the lessons up immediately.  This will be a work in progress.  If you need to hurry along faster, please check out the websites listed in the Basic Internet Research section.  You will find our lessons under the folder LESSONS at the top of the screen.

Our email is fhcsandpoint@gmail.com  Please feel free to write – let me know how you are doing or if you have questions.  Diane