You probably have a birth or wedding certificate, graduation diploma, tax records, a driver s license and other documents. You ll be looking for the same kinds of records to document the lives of your ancestors. They were born, went to school, worked, got married, bought land, paid taxes, and served in the military. Many of them immigrated to this country, creating immigration and naturalization documents. In the fourth episode, you ll see how your ancestors come alive through the paper trail they left behind.
Tips Remember that records are created because of important life events.
When using compiled records, try to verify the information you find there by then obtaining the original records. Suggested Activities Look at your pedigree chart and make a list of the records you need to verify the information you have gathered. Begin with your own family and local resources. Check with local libraries, historical societies and genealogical societies to see if local or family histories are on file there.