Begin today by recording the information we will go over in this workshop. Begin to collect information from family members, both near and far. Use your quest for information as a reason to write letters and make phone calls to all the family members you can locate. If your parents are alive call them and ask them to fill in the missing blanks on the family tree. Also call siblings, aunts, uncles or others who remember things about the families history.
Family history is a wonderful mender of old grudges too.
Getting the names, dates and places is important because this info will help you to identify all the branches of your tree, so record everything, no matter how small. Write down everything your family members tell you and everything you personally remember. These are also great at family reunions, when cousins get together and at holiday celebrations. Tell family members you would like to record their memories, and try to ask them thought provoking questions. Believe me, this will save you headaches in the future.