Family genealogy websites are becoming popular because many people have realized that they can learn about themselves by doing some family research into the past. For many years, doing an ancestry search was difficult or unreliable because much of what people knew came through word of mouth. Today, thanks in part to technology, you now have the ability to build a family history by using nothing more than your family name.

To create a family tree from information you get from ancestry lookup businesses, you need to:

1. Use websites that help you build your family tree.

2. Find websites where you can get family history and records.

3. Learn about websites where you can find information about your family ancestry search through genes and DNA testing.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for ancestry information on family tree building websites

Making a family tree is easy when you use a website designed to help you create one. The Internet is full of businesses that have all sorts of information and resources available. You can upload photographs, join in discussions on ancestry message boards and then publish your results to share with your family members.

I recommend: At Ancestry.com, you can learn how to build your family tree by gathering information and related ancestry research material. You can do searches based on family names or through public records. The site also offers a service to have your DNA tested to find out more information. There is also an ancestry message board where you can post or ask questions for help from other site members. Go to FamilySearch to learn what kind of information you need to begin building your family tree.

Search through public records

There are many websites on the Internet where you can search through public records to find information about your family heritage. Some of these websites have membership fees that you have to pay in order to access information, while others are free to the public.

I recommend: Go to Public-Files.com to search through military, birth, death and marriage records to help you begin to put together your ancestry family tree. At Ancestor Hunt, you can search through the vital records either by the specific type of public record information you're looking for or by looking through the state index.

Find more of your family ancestry information with genetic genealogy

Genetic genealogy is the science of researching your family tree and other related ancestry history through DNA testing. While you can find all kinds of information that you might not find elsewhere, this kind of testing can be quite expensive.

I recommend: The DNA Ancestry Project helps your trace your ancestry through genetic testing and a surname project, where you learn the history of your family name. Go to DNA Tribes to get a DNA test kit that will show your genetic relationship to various ethnic groups in different regions of the world.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Even with the seemingly limitless resources available on the Internet, building your family tree can be a painstaking process. Be patient and have fun as you continue to learn more about yourself and your family.