Did you know that October is Family History Month? Family history, also known as genealogy, is a fascinating journey that offers a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors. Whether you are just starting out or have been researching for years, there are numerous resources available at the Alachua County Library District to help you uncover your family’s past.
Why explore your family history?
- Connect with your heritage: Discovering where your ancestors came from, and their cultural background can deepen your appreciation for your heritage.
- Preserve stories and traditions: Learning about your family’s past helps preserve stories and traditions for future generations.
- Build a family tree: Tracing your lineage can help you build a comprehensive family tree, connecting you to distant relatives.
Getting started with family history research
Starting your family history research can seem daunting, but with a few steps, you can begin uncovering your family’s past:
- Gather information: Start by collecting information from family members. Ask about names, dates, places, and any stories or documents they might have. Senior relatives can be especially valuable sources of information.
- Organize your findings: Use a family tree chart or genealogy software to organize the information you gather. Keep detailed notes on the information you find, including the sources.
- Use online resources: The Library District has several resources to help, including Ancestry Library Edition (accessible in-library only), HeritageQuest Online (in-library, or at home with library card number and pin).
- Visit Libraries and Archives: In Alachua County, the Clerk of Courts office hosts Ancient Records online, providing information such as marriage records, a deed index, and the Alachua Virtual Cemetery. The Matheson History Museum has a local history library and archive that can be visited by appointment. The Alachua County Library District has a large genealogy reference section for in-library use at the Headquarters Library, and also has how-to books that can be checked out.
Join us for family history programs led by our Genealogy Librarian
Cemetery Research for Genealogy and Family History - Tuesday, October 1, 3-5 p.m. at the Cone Park Branch
Female Ancestors - Wednesday, October 2, 3-5 p.m. at the High Springs Branch
Genealogical Forms - Tuesday, November 5, 3-5 p.m. at the Cone Park Branch
Genealogy Open Lab - Wednesday, November 6, 3-5 p.m. at the High Springs Branch
- Genealogy how-to books
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In search of our roots: how 19 extraordinary African Americans reclaimed their past by Henry Louis Gates The author examines the origins and history of African-American ancestry as he profiles nineteen noted African Americans and illuminates their individual family sagas throughout U.S. history.
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Finding your roots: The official companion to the PBS Series by Henry Louis Gates
Who are we, and where do we come from? The fundamental drive to answer these questions is at the heart of Finding Your Roots, the companion book to the PBS documentary series. As Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. shows us, the tools of cutting-edge genomics and deep genealogical research now allow us to learn more about our roots, looking further back in time than ever before. The author investigates the genealogical histories of twenty-five prominent Americans, including Cory Booker, Martha Stewart, and Michelle Rodriguez.
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Advanced genealogy research techniques by George G. Morgan
Learn how to use innovative techniques to unearth hard-to-find ancestors. The authors use up-to-date and highly organized methods and techniques to show you how to find the elusive details to round out your genealogy research, and get past the brick walls that have stumped you. They cover a variety of software programs and specialized genealogy tools, and even address using modern social networking as a practical source.
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Genealogy fourth edition by George G. Morgan
Ready to search your family tree but not sure how to start? Watching the genealogy reality shows and want to lean how to access-- and interpret-- genetic genealogy? Morgan shows you how to research your family history using the most current websites, mobile apps, social networking sites, record archives, census data, digital records, DNA research, and more.
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Tracing your ancestry can be a deeply rewarding and enjoyable endeavor. With the help of this hands-on guide, you'll find out how to start your genealogical research using the latest tools and techniques, including DNA testing. You'll learn how to leverage social media networking sites, add digital images to your family tree, and access public records and U.S. Census information.
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Organize your genealogy: strategies and solutions for every researcher by Drew Smith
Stop struggling to manage all your genealogy facts, files, and data--make a plan of attack to maximize your progress. Organize Your Genealogy will show you how to use tried-and-true methods and the latest tech tools and genealogy software to organize your research plan, workspace, and family-history finds. In this book, you'll learn how to organize your time and resources, including how to set goals and objectives, determine workable research questions, sort paper and digital documents, keep track of physical and online correspondence, prepare for a research trip, and follow a skill-building plan. With this comprehensive guide, you'll make the most of your research time and energy and put yourself on a road to genealogy success.