They keep good records of family data for religeous purposes. You can also double check dates on headstones to verify that the records are correct. I started my search in 1993. It was very slow work, until I discovered computers, the internet, and great software like Family Tree Maker. If you have time , check out their site.
Genealogy is a fun hobby.
It is time consuming, but unlike other hobbies not all that expensive. It is challenging and very rewarding. I think best of all, in doing the research, it brings families together to chat about memories of long ago. Not only does it open doors to the past, it helps us get a clearer idea of where we came from, and who we are, adding a foundation to our identities. My ancestors came to the New England area from Sao Miguel Island in the Azores, and the Province of Quebec, Canada .