How do I make a family tree, or find out about genealogy?

[happy]

I am trying to trace back from both my father and mother's side, but I can only get information about my great-grandparents at best. How do I go about finding relatives? I know nothing what-so-ever about this

[TaylorProud]

1. Go to your local Public Library and ask if they have genealogy classes and if they have a genealogy branch or family history library nearby, many public libraries offer ancestry free on their computers where you can look up stuff.
2. My Favorite Websites
Genforum
rootsweb
familysearch.org
Cyndis list
usgenweb archives
State Archives websites
tribalpages.com
legacyfamilytree "Standard Edition" is free to keep track of all your stuff.
3. Make a list , interview all your relatives, Look at Census data from 1930 backward in time. Find books on where your relatives where, marriage licenses, death certificates, etc.
Look for Military records, WWI and WWII records, Civil War Pension Records and Revolutionary War Pension Records
4. Make copies of everything , TRACK your Sources!
write down where you found everything, Page numbers, book name, publishers etc, Website etc.
If I make a copy I put all the info on the back of the copy of where I got it.
Good Luck...

[bradsgranny]

You can join Ancestry.com free for 14 days, and they have wonderful information. I recently started doing our family tree and have found so many interesting little stories, like our Quaker ancestor who was so obnoxious to the British they burned his house and barn with all their contents. The DAR named him Patriot, although he never fired a shot. LOL!

Anyway, they also have census records and lots of other helpful information. Plus, you can look at other people's family trees, people looking for the same people you are. Try it. It won't cost you anything for the 14 day period. They are the LDS site, actually.

[Boomer Wisdom]

You can also go here. This site has links to tutorials, as well as a guide to the basics:
http://www.tedpack.org/howstart.html

Most local libraries usually have books on genealogy; sometimes a book just works better than a computer screen for learning things.

I joined the local genealogical society, and have found it to be very helpful. It's good to learn from the more experienced folks.

The people who frequent this Y!A forum are very helpful and handy, too. So keep checking in. And happy hunting.