Introduction

Step 1
What You Know

Step 2
Interview and Gather

Step 3
Examine Documents

Step 4
Create an Organizational Plan

Step 5
Arm Yourself

Step 6
Ready to Reach Out

Step 7
The Journey Begins

Step 8
Genealogy Sources

Step 10
Your Ancestors Await You

Step 5 - Arm Yourself

This step will provide a review of various resources available to the genealogist. Some resources are in print form while others are online. It is beneficial, at this beginning stage of your journey, to build a solid fundamental foundation of knowledge about genealogy practices.

NGS Guidelines

The National Genealogical Society (NGS) is a non-profit organization of genealogists from the beginner to the professional. The NGS serves its members by providing genealogical skill development through education, information, publications, research assistance, and networking opportunities.

The NGS establishes and promotes the highest standards of ethical research principles and scholarly practices. To this end, they have recommended a set of Genealogical Standards for the field of genealogy. These standards are intended to be guidelines for both professional and amateur genealogists. All genealogists should review these guidelines on a periodic basis to ensure their research strategies are compliant.

LDS Research Outlines

The Family Search website offers a wide variety of research guides. A Research Outline has been created for each state as well as many foreign countries. These guides contain valuable information that will be useful to you as you continue with your research.

The Research Outlines can be accessed by clicking on this link:
http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/RG/frameset_rhelps.asp
Select the "Sorted by Document Type" in the upper left corner of the screen, then select the "Research Outline" link for an alphabetic list of research outlines.

The Genealogist's Bookshelf

A list of essential books for your home book shelf. These helpful books will be referred to time and again during your research and study time.

Unpuzzling Your Past: The Best-Selling Basic Guide to Genealogy
by Emily Anne Croom
The most popular book for beginning genealogists.

Unpuzzling Your Past Workbook: Essential Forms and Letters for all Genealogists
by Emily Anne Croom
The book includes 21 new and 21 revised genealogical forms, fascinating illustrations from actual research, and tips to help searchers write effective genealogy letters.

Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian
by Elizabeth Shown Mills
A very useful and "user friendly" guide specifically written for family history researchers and genealogists regardless of their experience levels.

Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy
by Val Greenwood
This comprehensive work has become the standard guide and textbook in the pursuit of U.S. genealogical research.

Handybook for Genealogists 10th Edition
by George B. Everton
This reference book has information about every state and all counties. There are maps, detailed county information and contact information.

Finding Your Roots Online
by Nancy Hendrickson
A must read for anyone who wants to use the Internet to climb their family tree.

Continue with Step 6 - Ready to Reach Out