Great Genealogy Resources

So....

You want to do your family tree. That's how it starts for a lot of us. We try to do what we can as a quick family tree for a school project or a gift for a family member at Christmas time. But then it happens.... Once we start researching we realize that this is not a "quick" project. Or a "quick" anything. This is a major thing, a huge committment, a gigantic undertaking!

Here's an example. I started on January 19, 2007. I just wanted to put some names to some faces. Now I have a huge database of research, a closet full of files, a filing system to catalog what is in my files, walls and walls of old photographs, scrapbooks, three websites, a librabry of genealogy books, a blog, a book that I am writing and planning to publish..... and a dedicated room in my house for it all!

Still here?????

OK, I'm impressed. So let's get started.

Before beginning your research, I would talk to every family member alive that will hear you out. Get all the names, dates and places you can while they are around to tell you. Start with the oldest folks and work your way down. Even if it is insignificant at the time, write it down! It might be important later. Be persistant but nice. They may be unwilling at first but it's important to try to get them to open up and share their knowledge.

Armed with your notes you can now begin your research. I would start with the present and work your way backwards. Get all American documents and all the answers you can from the U.S. (or your coutry of origin). These are the easiest. When you have exhausted all American research you will need to begin researching in Italy. You can do this by renting microfilm from your local Family History Library. You can also write to Italy to obtain documents.

Now, I certainly don't claim to be an expert on researching or genealogy in general. In fact, I have only begun to scratch the surface of the knowledge I must possess to be successful in my endeavour. So on that note.... I have put together this page of IMPORTANT links to guide you with your Italian research. The first section of links are sites that I use daily in my research. I recommend them all as a great starting point. The second section of links are family history sites that I also visit frequently. They are folks like you and me. They have very useful information, so be sure to search them thoroughly. They can also serve as an inspiration to go on. I know they do for me! The third section of links is not genealogy links, but links that are important to me. There is even a fun radio station that plays nothing but music from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and friends (my favorite sounds!)

I hope you enjoy all the links and come back often. If nothing else, you will certainly make some terrific friends. Thanks for looking and I hope I have helped.