We are who we are, and that is sufficient to be an honest, respectable, and productive citizen, yet there is a delight about knowing ones ancestry. Being able to connect is a reason why so many have taken the time to trace family history and their lineage. The Internet has become one of our greatest tools to search, travel the paths, and connect the dots. The benefits are numerous, health concerns, heredity factors, occupational considerations. The path we take is ours and ultimately the decisions we make we own, but unraveling the family history gives us room for reflection and consideration. What is most intriguing is that in many cases we often find our heritage to be unusually strong.

Just as, we are influenced by our immediate family, friends, and those we live amongst, some are inclined by their ancestors, this knowledge opens up a whole new perspective, especially in the profession we may follow. One must examine how strong the DNA factor plays in this scenario.

Many years ago genealogy projects were difficult, one would gather as much information as possible from relatives, news archives, attics, libraries, you were then confronted with writing to different community archives, record keeping institutions. It was a monumental time-consuming project. But with computers, immense amounts of technology, the organization of many records and documents throughout the different institutions, genealogy research while still intense can be done in significantly less time, less travel, and certainly less expense.

I have found in the world of genealogy patience is your friend. Let me point out there are many genealogy websites available that, for a small fee, you can access much information. It is possible you may go down the wrong path a time or two; you may also discover some horse thieves or not too savory relatives. Somehow when they are a few generations removed we find we can laugh. For myself, I discovered a relative who was found guilty of treason, hung and burned at a stake in London, England in 1417. I have become quite proud of him, for he was a man of principle, on the other hand, I discovered an ancestor who was a Civil War hero, his life enabled me to write a book about his accomplishments.

When starting your journey into the world of ancestry, preparation helps. The following may seem elementary, but they truly are key considerations. Many genealogy websites include the availability to purchase tools that will assist in your quest. I would recommend, a special place for all the information that you will gather, lots of pencils with erasers, always carry a small notebook and pencil, or recording device, keep these items readily available so that if someone calls or information is given to you, you are able to take notes in a sensible way (transposing information can send you on a wild goose chase) I suggest purchased or created forms for documentation of the facts you find, a specific place where you can record and compile, and as you get more involved you will possibly need to purchase acid free covers to protect any old documents you may be fortunate to find. As much information as you can accumulate will help. Birthdate,s are extremely beneficial as they help to distinguish between people with the same name, who in turn could be several generations removed from each other. Family gatherings are an excellent place to collect information along with stories that will die out if not recorded. Family Bibles are another significant source, use every opportunity that presents or is available.

Some of the people are gone but their characters live on in the stories told by the children, grandchildren, family and friends. The “remember when” stories that one never tires of hearing. Each narrator adds just a bit of colour, pageantry, twist and embellishment to their own rendition of the history soaked tale.

Given the chance, write down or record these stories and anecdotes before they are lost forever in the minds of the elders and those that have passed on. Take responsibility and become the family or community archivist and historian.

Genealogy quests can become an addiction. With the use of computers and some very good genealogical software and web sites, a person can be immersed for hours following one name. In a search that will undoubtedly open more gates than anticipated, be prepared to find out information about family and, yes, friends that may be shocking, most likely laughable and a surprise when blind sided with some facts that were least expected. Definitely go on the search with an open mind.

Confirming accuracy of traditional stories can be a difficult task and ought to be approached with dignity and professionalism when dealing with anyone, especially senior members of families or communities. Older members of the family and of the community might not understand why there is a need to share information about the days when they were young. Regardless of whether the interviewer is a family member or not, a lot of old-timers will flat-out refuse to discuss information that has been dug up and brought to them for corroboration. Often as not, they have held the information in confidence since the event happened and in their mind, to speak of the people, would be a betrayal of that confidence. The older generations were loyal to their friends and family and they believe that what they know or have been told in confidence is no one else’s business other than those involved. They feel it is not their place to divulge the facts no matter how public the story is. This is an admirable trust and should be respected when going in search of data, it is best to understand this trust to ensure no one is insulted. However, do not let this be a discouragement to the search to verify the data that has been uncovered.

Being for-warned is being for-armed when dealing with people who do not want to give up facts. Be prepared with other questions that may skirt the story in question. Asking questions like “Did you know so-and-so very well?” “Didn’t they live next door to you on such-and such street?” “Didn’t they have a cousin names Tom?” This is not being sneaky or trying to get information out of someone who does not want to give it. It is a way to support the information already attained from elsewhere. Getting answers from these questions from someone who lived during that time is the best way to include proven information in your genealogical history. Un-related questions may also encourage the person being interviewed to offer other knowledge about the family and neighbourhood. With these newly gathered facts, the gates to investigating the history of the family or community will open other gates and paths to wonder down.

Your birth certificate is the main method of showing who you are and a must when you try to get a drivers’ license or a passport. It is also referred to as a vital record. A vital record shows your detailed, personal information. This information can include, your given name when you were born, your date and time of birth, your gender, the hospital, city and state of where you were born, your parent’s names and occupations, your weight and length when you were born, the date your birth registration was filed, the name of the officiant that registered the birth, and your birth registration number.

This document, in itself, is not enough to prove your identity, but it is the method taken to prove it. It is usually required by your state of residence to apply for a drivers’ license or an picture identification card. There are two separate types of birth certificates available within the United States. These are a long form and a short form birth certificate.

I have listed the differentiations of these birth certificate below.

-Long Form Birth Certificate: This type is an exact replica of your original birthing records and will have information such as; parental details, including race, address, and other vital statistics. It is also possible for this type to include the actual doctor’s surgeon who performed the delivery.

This are virtually a thing of the past as most states now utilize an Electronic Birth Registration System. This eliminates the need for the hard copies of long form birthing certificates. Keep in mind that some states are still using these forms and even states that have gone “paperless” may still use this method.

-Short Form Birth Certificate: This type is also referred to as a computer certification and are a shorter version of the long form birth certificate. These are usually easier to get hold of. The reason for this is that while a long form birth certificate is an exact replica of the original certificate, a short form is proof of the original certificate’s existence.

This can be also be available in a wallet size, which has the basic info needed to you. There is also a commemorative certificate which is usually handed out as keepsakes from the hospital. Keep in mind that the commemorative certificate is not enough proof of who you are.

If you require a birth certificate replacement for either yourself or your child, you should look up the exact detailed rules and regulations that are in effect in the state where the birth occurred. There are a lot of companies out there that specialize in replacement for a fee. Keep in mind that there are still rules and regulations that must be followed.