Suggestions for expanding your research

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

I've been doing genealogical research formally for nearly 30 years. During that time I've found some things that can help with your research, and thought I'd pass them on to you.

1. At family get-togethers, ask the oldest folk there to tell you stories of their youth. Often they will tell you things about relatives that you didn't know--and these things can help you track down information about those relatives. Sometimes they will remember an old photograph or newspaper clipping which they will later share with you.

2. Get the older members of your family to write down or record stories they remember. My mother has been doing this for years--and these stories are a real treasure, as they add a lot to the family history.

3. One of the best things I've done to help my research was to make my own genealogical website. You can do it for free, and you don't need to know how to do website html code or have a website design package to do it. Yahoo Geocities will allow you to make a free website, and includes some very easy to use web design software. This website is linked with my World Connect family trees, and I've gotten several researchers who have written me to thank me for what I've displayed. They have also shared information--in fact, I was able to break through a brick wall because of one cousin who found me via the website.

I know most of you probably already know how to set up a website, but if you don't, PM me and I'll be glad to take you through the steps.

4. Volunteer to teach genealogy at a senior center. I did this for about 3 years, until I was employed full time and didn't have the time to do it. You get to pass on your genealogical expertise--and you find that some of your students are glad to help you with research! In my class here in Arkansas, I found three students out of a class of 8 who turned out to be distant cousins!

[Bitwit1234]

1. Add to that online sites that post obits

I don't live in Maryland anymore but a lot of relatives came from there and Virginia so I always go online to check out the Washington Post and Baltimore Sun.

On their online obits they have a guest post section. I have found two different cousins by posting something on one of the surnames I am researching. I was really suprised. Maybe some of the other newspapers have this available.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. I'll look

thanks for the idea!