Climb Your Family Tree Before Y2K
This is the last genealogical year for the 20th century. And there’s no better time to begin your own family history project than before the new millennium rolls around.
This is truly a grand time to begin the hobby of genealogy with the many new beginner’s guides on the market.
They’re all supurb, which makes it difficult for me to recommend one over another.
Family Chronicle magazine has a new title, “Introduction to Genealogy,” a book designed as a comprehensive guide for amateur genealogists who want practical advice on how to research their family tree and history. Based on the magazine’s quality, this introductory book should be great. It’s available for $20, plus $5 postage, from Family Chronicle, P.O. Box 1201, Lewiston, N.Y. 14092-9934, or call (888) 326-2376.
“Family History Made Easy,” by Loretto Dennis Szucs, published by Ancestry, begins with a list of “50 Good Reasons for Tracing Your Family History.”
No. 1 on that list is: For the sheer enjoyment of discovery. No. 4 is: It challenges your mind and keeps your thinking sharp. No. 7 is my favorite: It is a way for generations to bond; children, parents, and grandparents find a common interest.
Szucs’ book takes genealogists through all the steps and records necessary to gain success with their family history project. Order this $12.95 book, plus $3.50 postage, from Ancestry at (800) 262-3787.
“First Steps in Genealogy: A Beginners Guide to Researching Your Family History,” by Desmond Walls Allen, is published by Betterway Books. She begins Chapter 1 with this quip: “Look in the mirror: Everything you see came from your ancestors: your eyes, the shape of your face, length of your nose and a hundred other features. You may have inherited personality traits, disease predispositions, and thousands of features you can’t see. Who are you? You’re the product of your ancestors gene pool.”
Scary thought? Perhaps its time to learn more about all those people who contributed to your makeup. Her book outlines 10 steps for beginners to do genealogy. Order this $14.99 book, plus $3.50 postage, from Betterway Books, (800) 289-0963.
“Genealogy Starter Kit, 2nd Edition,” by William Dollarhide, is Genealogical Publishings latest offering to the beginning genealogist. This 48-page book brings the entire world of genealogy into instant focus by reducing the process of genealogical research to its most basic elements.
The first seven pages outline “Seven Steps to Getting Started”; the remainder of the book gives address and resource lists. Order this $9.95 book, plus $3.50 postage, from the publishing company, 1001 N. Calvert, Baltimore, MD 21202-3897, or call (800) 296-6687.
If you think the Heritage Hunting columns would be helpful to you in beginning or continuing your genealogy, the 1998 collection of columns may be purchased in a booklet form for $7.50, postpaid, from me, c/o the address below.
Time for classes. During Winter Quarter, Ann Hemmert, owner of Ancestors Plus, will teach beginning genealogy, keeping a journal and organizing your materials at several times and locations. I will teach an advanced class on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at North Central High School. Call 533-3770 to register for any of these classes.