Genealogy - Indianapolis

Things to Know Before You Begin Your Genealogy Research

An Introduction for Beginners

1. It’s a Slow (but Rewarding) Process

• Research takes time. You won’t build your entire family tree overnight.
• Expect lots of fact-checking and piecing together small leads.
• Progress might come in bursts — sometimes you’ll find a lot, other times you’ll hit dead ends.
  Be patient. Each record you find is a step closer to your goal.

2. Not All Records Are Online

• While websites like Ancestry and FamilySearch are helpful, many records still in local archives, courthouses, and libraries have not been digitized yet.
• Some documents exist only on microfilm or in physical collections.
• You may need to visit libraries, historical societies, or request copies by mail. 

Local resources like the Indiana State Library can be invaluable.

3. Brick Walls Will Happen

You might hit a “brick wall” which is a point where information is missing, names are confusing, or records just stop. This is normal. Strategies like researching siblings, neighbors, or using DNA can help break through. Sometimes you may have to take a break or hunt elsewhere until the missing information is found or digitized.

4. Variations & Errors Are Common

• Names may be spelled differently in every record (John Smith, Jon Smyth, Jno. Smithe).
• Ages, birth dates, and locations might not match perfectly.
• Remember that handwriting, language differences, and poor record-keeping all play a part in the process.
• Record gaps do exist. Fires, wars and other events may have destroyed important records. 
• You may be climbing up the wrong tree. This is why verifying records is important. 

5. Collaboration is Key

• You’re not alone! Connect with genealogy societies, online forums, and involve your family members. You may be surprised to find that others have already done research on your family line. Sharing research, information or working collaboratively often leads to unlocking new discoveries. Genealogy is often a team effort.

Genealogy Research Method

Step 1: Start with What You Already Know

Research begins once you start to gather information you already have access to through yourself, and your family members. The more information you can gather the more solid the foundation of your family tree.

Action Steps:

1. Fill in family trees and group sheets.

2. Record names, dates, places, and family stories.

3. Collect home sources (photos, certificates, letters).

4. Organize your findings for easy reference.

Step 2: Define Your Research Question

It is important to define your goal, pick a specific research goal instead of a broad one. For example, instead of “learning more about Grandma’s family,” aim for something more concrete like “finding Grandma’s marriage record.”

Action Steps:

1. Pick one ancestor or family branch.

2. Set a clear goal (birth, marriage, immigration, etc.).

3. Write down exactly what you want to discover.

Step 3: Find the Right Records to Search

Once you know your goal, identify which records or databases will help you find answers. Different questions require different sources, like census records for locating families or military files for service history.

Action Steps:

1. Learn what types of records are available (vital, census, land, probate).

2. Identify where those records are held (libraries, archives, online databases).

3. Make a plan for which sources to check first.

Step 4: Search, Document, and Save

Search for records intentionally, keeping track of where you’ve looked, what you’ve found, and when. Save copies of documents and take notes, even if you don’t find anything. This prevents repeating work during the research process.

Action Steps:

1. Search online databases, libraries, and archives.
2. View original documents when possible.
3. Record search results and source information.
4. Save images or transcriptions of useful records.

Step 5: Analyze and Apply What You Found

After gathering sources, take time to verify their accuracy. Compare new findings with what you already know, sort out conflicting details, and update your family tree. Then, use what you’ve learned to form your next research question.

Action Steps:

1. Evaluate the reliability of each source.

2. Cross-check details with other records.

3. Update family trees, notes, and citations.

4. Plan your next research goal based on new clues.

Each new answer uncovers new questions. By repeating these steps, you’ll gradually build a richer, more accurate family history.