I started family research about 1979 or 1980. My father, who was adopted, was found by his family. He was age 62, and it had been 60 years. I found the stories so interesting, and meeting all new family was such fun, I decided to look farther into my personal history. About the same time my husband's sister brought back a journal that had been written by his grand mother which contained some interesting family history. What a boost that was! My interest soon became a hobby. I visited the local Mormon LIbrary, and pored over books by the hour. I wrote letters to family and asked for whatever information they were willing to share. Most were wonderful and helpful! Through this outreach I began to be "handed on" to other family members who were researching by those I had contacted. The person contacted may have had not interest in family history, but they knew that "Cousin So&So" did, and they either sent me the address of that "cousin" or sent my letter on to them. I kept all correspondence, and now it is a record in itself, and much of it is fun to re-read.

I learned how to send off for various records and how to glean information from them. When I went "online" with a local BBS, it was pure gold. Then the Internet came along, and an information explosion now existed. What a useful tool! (As you must know, if you are here.)

So, hello, welcome to family research and the best of luck!

National Archives and Records Administration Web Site:

www.nara.gov/genealogy