October is Family History month, and the Web site Findmypast.com is celebrating with some great information to help others find themselves by finding their ancestors.
“Every person on the planet has a vastly complex and theoretically endless line of predecessors that have all contributed to the completely unique collection of genetic information that makes up every fiber of their existence,” states the site introduction. “For many people, this is the only connection they have to the scores of ancestors who struggled through adversity, fought in wars, built our cities and traveled thousands of miles in hope to provide security and well-being for their posterity. Looking into your past can provide a refreshed sense of your identity or context for why you are where you are.
“While it may seem like a daunting journey to begin, the first steps to starting your family tree are actually quite easy and fun. In the spirit of Family History Month, we’ve provided everything that you need to start your family tree and to keep it growing.”
Those tools include 10 tips to start your family tree, a printable family tree download, a questionnaire for interviewing relatives, five tips for searching the U.S. Census, 10 steps to move beyond the Census, 20 resources to search for family history information, and 20 things to do when you are stumped.
Throughout the month, www.Findmypast.com will also be sharing daily tips on Facebook for genealogists and family historians. Facebook fans also have access to Facebook badges denoting their ancestry.
Advanced search tips to help readers uncover their storied pasts and keep growing their family trees are available as well, including expert tips from renowned genealogist D. Joshua Taylor. Taylor encourages genealogists to re-examine findings, locate original records, search collateral lines, participate in a DNA study, and search for printed resources.
Check out all the details at findmypast.com and have a happy Family History Month!