Searching For Family
This past Saturday we had a family reunion. It was the first in quite some time. In preparation for the party and since then, I have been delving into the family tree. There are always branches that I am trying to get more information about. In my searching I figured I’d share with everyone what I am using and doing.
First, you don’t have to have any expensive programs to get started on searching for your family. I know that the first thought most people have is that they have to use the ancestry.com website. They do have a free trial, but it isn’t necessary. There’s a lot of information to be had over on the familysearch.org website and it’s free! You can even set up your family tree on it.
This is the search section on the main familysearch.org website. I like to enter just a last name and then scroll through what all is available. You will be able to narrow it down by category and there are filters, depending on what criteria is available: gender, location, age, etc.
Sometimes a name you enter in will bring back a lot of entries and other names won’t have as much information. I recommend checking the same names ever six months or so. Over time they add more and more records, so you may find new information.
This is one website that I go to over and over again. PLUS, it is also connected to Family Tree Maker 19. This is the program that I use. This is not a free program, in fact, it’s around $80. I don’t get a commission or make any money from it. I like the program and use it. You can get your copy here.
What last names are you researching? Here are some that I am looking into:
- Kaldener/Kaldeuer
- Reinhold/Rheinhold
- Schlegel
- Rindhage
- Opitz
- Robinson
- Cooper
- Mowbray
- Gross
Do you have these in your family tree? I’d love to connect and see if our trees cross. I know that some of these are common names. Part of their travels took them to or through Michigan. I do have quite a bit of information on the Robinsons.
I have also been reminded that libraries contain a lot of history. In the state of Michigan there is a state library system that you can get a library card on-line. Check out your state to see if they have one. You can then access a lot of information without leaving home. Although, I do recommend going to a library in person and I will be doing this soon. There’s a library in the town that I was born in and where a lot of my family history is at. I will be visiting it soon and I can’t wait to see what all kinds of family history I can uncover. It’s right next door to a historical museum.
Happy family finding!