1. Where to Start
You should start researching your own family history by first compiling as much information as you can about your family - start with yourself, your parents and grandparents. Ask relatives to share what they know, especially older members, as they are usually a wealth of facts and interesting stories frequently passed from generation to generation. 
Our Ancestry Chart may be helpful.

2. Vital Statistics
Check for birth, marriage, death, burial records. These are called vital statistics. Family bibles with data pages, obituaries, gravestones and a copy of the designated person in a school register can also be used to document a record. See if photo albums and portraits have named individuals, if not find a family member who can identify the individuals and add labels. Search for old scrapbooks, letters and other family records that may be available.

Remember to note where you found this information. This is very important, in the future you may want to revisit a source. 

3. Tools
There are a few genealogy software programs available to record and maintain your research. Notes can be added and frequently copies of pictures.

Once you have an idea of what you are looking for you can then further your search. 

Send us a query outlining what you know and ask us to check if we have additional information. There will be no cost to you. In our reply, we will state what is available and give an estimated cost of the charges. View our fees here.