Are you a "Newb"?

Don't be offended. My kids have called me that and tell me it's not always a bad thing... I am not so sure. :)

I am super excited to see so many new faces to the world of genealogy lately. In many of my online and offline groups, I see an exciting turn toward wanting to know our heritage.  One of the questions that was asked at least a dozen times over the last week or so is, "Well Michele, just where do I begin?" I know that's a tough concept to think about. It's slightly overwhelming to know that all this knowledge is out there and you don't know how to access it.

First, find a great support group either online, a social club like a Historical Society or a genealogy group or visit a local librarian and ask for some advice.
Second, figure out what it is that you already know, and what it is that you don't know. Write it down. How do you know what you already know?
Third, ask yourself where you might get more information within the family. Does a great aunt take lots of photos? Did gram like to tell stories? Was someone in the family a diligent church goer that would have written in a family bible? Who's attic hasn't been visited in 35 years? Well you get the idea...

When you've done all that you have a ton of both digital and physical places to visit. These places hold documents to the past and evidence of an existence in life. By all means take the time to go to a physical building and see, feel, smell (get a toxic headache from) the original documents that are part of the treasures. Enjoy your Adventures in Genealogy and take two allergy pills before you go!