Genealogical Researchers

There are many ways to learn more about genealogical research. The first step you should take is to learn about your own family’s history. Try filling out your own family tree at FamilySearch, https://familysearch.org. (Family Search is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) The National Genealogical Society offers a variety of free genealogy resources at its Web site, https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/free-resources. Ancestry.com is another good source of information.

Several television shows profile genealogical researchers or historians who use genealogy techniques. PBS’s Finding Your Roots (https://www.pbs.org/show/finding-your-roots) is an American genealogy show in which the historian Henry Louis Gates, Jr. helps well-known people trace their genealogical history. Another interesting PBS show is History Detectives (https://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives). If you’re interested in becoming a heir hunter, you should check out the BBC’s Heir Hunters (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007nms5), a television show that profiles the work of probate researchers.

Finally, talk to genealogical researchers about their work. Many will be happy to share their insights about their specialty. Ask your history teacher or a school counselor to help arrange an information interview.