Materials You'll Need:

• Computer with internet access
• Subscription to Ancestry.com (or access via a free trial or library edition)
• Notebook and pen/pencil (or a digital document) for taking notes
• Any known family information to start with (names, birth/death dates & locations for parents, grandparents, etc.)

Welcome, Brodi, Future Family Historian!

Ever wonder where your family came from? Who were your great-great-grandparents? What were their lives like? Today, we're embarking on a detective journey into your past using one of the most powerful tools available: Ancestry.com! Get ready to uncover the stories hidden in your family tree.

What is Genealogy Anyway?

Genealogy is basically the study of families and tracing their lineages and history. Think of it like being a detective, but instead of solving crimes, you're solving the puzzle of your own ancestry. Ancestry.com is a massive online database packed with records that can help us piece together this puzzle.

Step 1: Getting Started on Ancestry.com

1. Log In/Sign Up: Head over to Ancestry.com. If you have an account, log in. If not, you might need help setting up an account or starting a free trial.
2. Homepage Tour: Let's take a quick look around. You'll see sections for your trees, search options, hints, and more. Don't worry about knowing everything right away; we'll explore as we go.

Step 2: Planting Your Family Tree Seed

The best place to start is with what you already know!

1. Start a New Tree: Find the option to create a new family tree.
2. Add Yourself: The tree begins with you. Enter your name, birthdate, and birthplace.
3. Add Your Parents: Next, add your parents. Fill in as much information as you know (full names, birth dates/places, marriage date/place, death dates/places if applicable).
4. Add Grandparents: Continue adding your known grandparents. The more information you start with, the easier it is for Ancestry.com to help find more!

Tip: Don't worry if you don't know exact dates! You can estimate or leave them blank for now. Accuracy is important, but getting started is key.

Step 3: The Thrill of the Hunt - Searching for Records

Now for the super fun part – finding clues!

1. Using Search: Go to the main 'Search' section. You can search all records or narrow it down (like Census, Birth/Marriage/Death).
2. Searching for an Ancestor: Let's try searching for one of your grandparents or great-grandparents. Enter their name, approximate birth year, and any location you know.
3. Reviewing Results: Ancestry will show potential matches. Look closely at the details: Do the names, dates, and locations match what you know? Check family members listed on records like the census – do they match?
4. Attaching Records: If you find a record that seems correct, Ancestry lets you attach it directly to that person in your tree. This builds evidence for your findings!

Step 4: Understanding Ancestry Hints®

As you build your tree, you'll see little shaky leaves appear on people's profiles. These are 'Ancestry Hints®' – automated clues Ancestry has found that *might* relate to your ancestor.

• Review Hints Carefully: Hints are awesome, but they aren't always correct! Always review the suggested record or family tree connection. Does it *really* match your ancestor?
• Accept or Ignore: If it's a match, accept the hint and attach the information. If it's not correct, you can ignore it.

Activity Time!

1. Make sure you, your parents, and any known grandparents are added to your tree.
2. Choose one grandparent or great-grandparent you know a little about.
3. Use the 'Search' function to actively look for one record about them (e.g., find them in a specific census year, look for a birth record index).
4. Review the results. Can you find a likely match? If so, try attaching it to your tree!
5. Look at any 'Hints' that pop up for the people you've added. Review one hint carefully – is it a match?

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Amazing work today, Brodi! You've started your family tree, learned how to navigate Ancestry.com, searched for records, and evaluated hints. This is just the beginning!

• Keep Building: Continue adding family members branch by branch.
• Verify Information: Always try to find multiple sources to confirm facts. Don't just rely on other people's trees without checking their sources.
• Explore Different Records: Dive into census records, vital records (birth, marriage, death), military records, immigration records, and more! Each tells a different part of the story.
• Stay Organized: Use your notebook or document to keep track of who you're searching for, what you've found, and where you found it.

Genealogy is a journey, not a race. Enjoy the process of discovery and learning about the people who came before you!