Genealogy and Ancestry: Easier than it sounds!

I went to a genealogy workshop a few weekends ago and learned a few things about researching my family history.

Basic Geneology:

1. Prepare- go to your library, take a class, check the house for old family records

2. Gather- interview relatives and take notes, gather family records and photos, and preserve your find

3. Organize- complete a generation chart and a family group sheet, these family trees can be filled out for free on various genealogy websites

4. Research- keep good standard records, check State Vital Records, Federal Census Records, Military Records, Immigration and Naturalization Records

5. Share your information with your family and others who might be a relation you don't even know about!!

Some good websites to check out:
www.familysearch.org
www.rootsweb.com
www.usgenweb.com
www.cyndislist.com
www.mcpl.lib.mo.us.genlh (Mid-Continent Public Library)
sos.mo.gov/archives (Missouri Archives)
archives.gov/genealogy (National Archives)
worldgenweb.org
ancestry.com (free access at most libraries)
ellisisland.org
castlegarden.org

Another great database is the Midwest Genealogy Center, in Independence, MO. (www.midwestgenealogycenter.org)