I do not know about you but I've always been interested in my past. My last way it is. Past that was even before I was born. Well of course I'm talking about of my ancestors. These same people who had a part in making me who I am today.

What used to be the search for my heritage took me to the library where I had to spend countless hours combing through books looking for information about my ancestors. But today, more resources, there are many available for genealogical research. Let's look at three of these resources must take into account both high tech and low tech.

Internet

The Internet has certainly simplified genealogical research. You no longer have to take a walk to the library and sit next to someone with strong perfume or cologne to find information about their ancestors.

What kind of information can be found on the Internet?

Name Search

Birth

Death records

Marriage records

Census Records

Cemetery records

Military Records

While searching the Internet you have the option to use a payment service, or numerous free services, many specific to states or counties. For example, if you are interested in birth, death and marriage to the ancestors of West Virginia, you can go to http://www.wvculture.org/vrr and do a free search of their records. Many other states, counties have historical societies and similar websites.

Another way to use the Internet to visit genealogy communities or forums. Maybe someone is researching the same people, or know someone who is. One such site is http://www.geocities.com/ohgenealogy/Index.html, where people link their personal pages of genealogy, and a link to a genealogy forum. This site refers to the ancestors of Ohio, but can find similar pages for other states and countries doing a basic Internet search.

DNA Testing

Want to go even higher technology? Many people have turned to DNA testing to determine where their ancestors came from. A simple swab inside the cheek (yes, like they do in CSI) can cause DNA to be compared with other DNA. Two types of tests the Y chromosome DNA (Y-DNA testing) and mitochondrial DNA testing. The Y-DNA tests look line paternal, while mitochondrial DNA is seen in the maternal lineage.

These tests may be to determine such things as: that the present-day country of Africa shares their descent, the clan mother of European descent that they share, percentage of Native American ancestry.

Oral History

From the high technology end to end low tech. While some stories are distorted in many stories, yet to speak as many relatives as possible for clues about their genealogy. Oral histories can provide information that there is no DNA evidence or provide search records.

The oral histories also provide information then research on the Internet, can also give the family "of color". oral history heritage come alive and become more colorful. Maybe you have a horse thief in the past of his family. Now, nobody wants a car thief in your family. However, a horse thief in her family's past who lived before the Civil War? Well, that's interesting.

Remember to organize all the information so that one day may pass to the generations future. You may want to acquire some genealogy software that can help organize and publish information.

Remember that your past is a part of what we are today. Of course, your future depends on you.

About the Author:

Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of DNA Paternity Tests where you can learn more about Genetic Genealogy

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – 3 High-tech and Low-tech Tools for Genealogy Research

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