{"id":10316,"date":"2026-01-08T12:31:59","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T11:31:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/?p=10316"},"modified":"2026-01-02T13:24:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T12:24:30","slug":"genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way\/","title":{"rendered":"Genealogy for beginners: start the right way"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"659\" data-end=\"882\">Genealogy for beginners can feel overwhelming: names, dates, places, websites, family stories, old letters, photographs. Before you know it, everything is in a heap on your desk or scattered across folders on your computer.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"884\" data-end=\"1270\"><aside class=\"sps-side-panel sps-side-panel-right\" style=\"background:#F0F8FF;border:2px solid #00BFFF;border-radius:8px;\"><div class=\"sps-side-panel-content\"> <strong>New year \u2013 new beginnings<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"884\" data-end=\"1270\">A new year is a natural time to turn over a fresh page, and it\u2019s a perfect moment to finally start that genealogy project you\u2019ve been thinking about. You don\u2019t need to know everything or have a perfect plan\u2014just begin with what you know, write down a few names and dates, and take one small step at a time. Before long, you\u2019ll see a family story taking shape and wonder why you waited so long to get started.<\/div><\/aside>\n<p data-start=\"884\" data-end=\"1270\">The best way to avoid frustration is to spend a little time <strong data-start=\"944\" data-end=\"982\">organizing your genealogy research<\/strong> right from the start. You don\u2019t need expensive tools or complicated systems. With a few simple habits and some traditional methods\u2014paper, pens, binders, and a sensible folder structure\u2014combined with modern genealogy software, you can build a research setup that will serve you for years.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-box-title\">In this article<\/div>\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\"><\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way\/#Start_with_yourself_and_work_backwards\" >Start with yourself and work backwards<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way\/#Choose_a_simple_system_for_notes_and_documents_when_getting_started_with_genealogy\" >Choose a simple system for notes and documents when getting started with genealogy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way\/#Genealogy_software_your_digital_family_tree\" >Genealogy software: your digital family tree<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way\/#Recording_your_sources_from_the_beginning_when_getting_started_with_genealogy\" >Recording\u00a0 your sources from the beginning when getting started with genealogy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way\/#Use_simple_forms_to_keep_families_together\" >Use simple forms to keep families together<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way\/#Keep_a_research_log_to_avoid_repeating_yourself\" >Keep a research log to avoid repeating yourself<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way\/#Separate_%E2%80%9Cproven%E2%80%9D_and_%E2%80%9Cpossible%E2%80%9D_relatives\" >Separate \u201cproven\u201d and \u201cpossible\u201d relatives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way\/#Back_up_and_preserve_your_work\" >Back up and preserve your work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way\/#Start_small_and_build_steady_habits\" >Start small and build steady habits<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p data-start=\"1272\" data-end=\"1472\">On <a href=\"http:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em data-start=\"1275\" data-end=\"1310\">Norwegian Genealogy and Then Some<\/em>,<\/a> I write for people who are curious about their roots and want to get started with genealogy. Think of this as a calm, practical starting point, not a set of strict rules.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1474\" data-end=\"1477\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1479\" data-end=\"1520\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_with_yourself_and_work_backwards\"><\/span>Start with yourself and work backwards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1522\" data-end=\"1637\">Even the most experienced genealogist follows the same basic rule: <strong data-start=\"1589\" data-end=\"1636\">start with what you know and work backwards<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"1639\" data-end=\"1813\">\n<li data-start=\"1639\" data-end=\"1696\">\n<p data-start=\"1642\" data-end=\"1696\">Write down your own full name, birth date and place.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1697\" data-end=\"1743\">\n<p data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"1743\">Add your parents, then your grandparents.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1744\" data-end=\"1813\">\n<p data-start=\"1747\" data-end=\"1813\">Note what you <em data-start=\"1761\" data-end=\"1779\">know for sure<\/em> and what is only \u201cfamily rumour\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"1815\" data-end=\"1961\">At this stage, <strong data-start=\"1830\" data-end=\"1868\">organizing your genealogy research<\/strong> simply means keeping your facts separate from your guesses. A very simple way to do this is:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1963\" data-end=\"2113\">\n<li data-start=\"1963\" data-end=\"2028\">\n<p data-start=\"1965\" data-end=\"2028\">Use <strong data-start=\"1969\" data-end=\"1984\">normal text<\/strong> or solid lines for confirmed information.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2113\">\n<p data-start=\"2031\" data-end=\"2113\">Use <strong data-start=\"2035\" data-end=\"2053\">question marks<\/strong>, dotted lines, or a different colour for uncertain details.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2115\" data-end=\"2324\">This makes it clear which parts of your tree are well-documented and which parts still need proper proof. Later, when you are deep in Norwegian church books and censuses, you will be glad you started this way.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2326\" data-end=\"2329\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"2380\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choose_a_simple_system_for_notes_and_documents_when_getting_started_with_genealogy\"><\/span>Choose a simple system for notes and documents when getting started with genealogy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2382\" data-end=\"2583\">Genealogy for beginners often goes wrong because everything is stored \u201cfor later\u201d in one big pile. Before you dive too deep, decide how you will handle paper, digital files, <strong data-start=\"2556\" data-end=\"2563\">and<\/strong> genealogy software.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2585\" data-end=\"2628\">Paper system (traditional and reliable)<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2630\" data-end=\"2781\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"10324\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way\/planner-2641215_640\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/planner-2641215_640.jpg?fit=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"640,480\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"planner-2641215_640\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/planner-2641215_640.jpg?fit=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-10324 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/planner-2641215_640.jpg?resize=382%2C286&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"382\" height=\"286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/planner-2641215_640.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/planner-2641215_640.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 382px) 100vw, 382px\" \/>Many family historians still like to work with paper, and for good reason. It is tangible, easy to browse, and doesn\u2019t disappear in a hard-drive crash.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2783\" data-end=\"2797\">You might use:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2799\" data-end=\"3180\">\n<li data-start=\"2799\" data-end=\"3000\">\n<p data-start=\"2801\" data-end=\"2852\"><strong data-start=\"2801\" data-end=\"2836\">One main binder per family line<\/strong>, for example:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2855\" data-end=\"3000\">\n<li data-start=\"2855\" data-end=\"2889\">\n<p data-start=\"2857\" data-end=\"2889\">Paternal grandfather\u2019s surname<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2892\" data-end=\"2926\">\n<p data-start=\"2894\" data-end=\"2926\">Paternal grandmother\u2019s surname<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2929\" data-end=\"2963\">\n<p data-start=\"2931\" data-end=\"2963\">Maternal grandfather\u2019s surname<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2966\" data-end=\"3000\">\n<p data-start=\"2968\" data-end=\"3000\">Maternal grandmother\u2019s surname<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3001\" data-end=\"3180\">\n<p data-start=\"3003\" data-end=\"3024\">Inside each binder:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3027\" data-end=\"3180\">\n<li data-start=\"3027\" data-end=\"3064\">\n<p data-start=\"3029\" data-end=\"3064\">A <strong data-start=\"3031\" data-end=\"3049\">pedigree chart<\/strong> at the front<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3067\" data-end=\"3110\">\n<p data-start=\"3069\" data-end=\"3110\"><strong data-start=\"3069\" data-end=\"3092\">Family group sheets<\/strong> for each couple<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3113\" data-end=\"3180\">\n<p data-start=\"3115\" data-end=\"3180\">Plastic sleeves for copies of certificates, letters, and photos<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3182\" data-end=\"3383\">This is a very traditional way of <strong data-start=\"3216\" data-end=\"3254\">organizing your genealogy research<\/strong>, but it still works beautifully. In the <a href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/downloads\/\">Download section<\/a> you find printable charts and forms you can download and slip straight into a binder.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3385\" data-end=\"3429\">Digital system (folders that make sense)<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3431\" data-end=\"3516\">On your computer, create a similar structure with clearly named folders. For example:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3518\" data-end=\"3706\">\n<li data-start=\"3518\" data-end=\"3706\">\n<p data-start=\"3520\" data-end=\"3533\"><code data-start=\"3520\" data-end=\"3531\">Genealogy<\/code><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3536\" data-end=\"3706\">\n<li data-start=\"3536\" data-end=\"3608\">\n<p data-start=\"3538\" data-end=\"3550\"><code data-start=\"3538\" data-end=\"3548\">Surnames<\/code><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3555\" data-end=\"3608\">\n<li data-start=\"3555\" data-end=\"3570\">\n<p data-start=\"3557\" data-end=\"3570\"><code data-start=\"3557\" data-end=\"3568\">Eidhammer<\/code><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3575\" data-end=\"3589\">\n<p data-start=\"3577\" data-end=\"3589\"><code data-start=\"3577\" data-end=\"3587\">Haugland<\/code><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3594\" data-end=\"3608\">\n<p data-start=\"3596\" data-end=\"3608\"><code data-start=\"3596\" data-end=\"3606\">Nordheim<\/code><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3611\" data-end=\"3691\">\n<p data-start=\"3613\" data-end=\"3626\"><code data-start=\"3613\" data-end=\"3624\">Documents<\/code><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3631\" data-end=\"3691\">\n<li data-start=\"3631\" data-end=\"3649\">\n<p data-start=\"3633\" data-end=\"3649\"><code data-start=\"3633\" data-end=\"3647\">Certificates<\/code><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3654\" data-end=\"3666\">\n<p data-start=\"3656\" data-end=\"3666\"><code data-start=\"3656\" data-end=\"3664\">Census<\/code><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3671\" data-end=\"3691\">\n<p data-start=\"3673\" data-end=\"3691\"><code data-start=\"3673\" data-end=\"3689\">Church_records<\/code><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3694\" data-end=\"3706\">\n<p data-start=\"3696\" data-end=\"3706\"><code data-start=\"3696\" data-end=\"3704\">Photos<\/code><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3708\" data-end=\"3906\">Within each folder, use file names that tell you what you are looking at without opening the file, such as:<br data-start=\"3815\" data-end=\"3818\" \/><code data-start=\"3818\" data-end=\"3858\">1900_census_Oslo_Ole_Hansen_family.pdf<\/code> or <code data-start=\"3862\" data-end=\"3905\">1885_baptism_Anna_Olsdatter_Tresfjord.jpg<\/code>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3908\" data-end=\"4056\">This kind of naming is a small thing, but it is at the heart of <strong data-start=\"3972\" data-end=\"4010\">organizing your genealogy research<\/strong> in a way your future self will thank you for.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3908\" data-end=\"4056\"><a href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/check-out-evernote\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Evernote can be a great way to organize your notes<\/a> and keep them with you always across several platforms.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4058\" data-end=\"4061\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4063\" data-end=\"4110\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Genealogy_software_your_digital_family_tree\"><\/span>Genealogy software: your digital family tree<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4112\" data-end=\"4365\">Alongside paper and simple folders, <strong data-start=\"4148\" data-end=\"4170\">genealogy software<\/strong> can be a great help in genealogy for beginners. Think of software as your central \u201cbrain\u201d that keeps the family tree itself together, while your binders and folders store the details and copies.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1513\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1513\" style=\"width: 438px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"1513\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/choosing-a-genealogy-software\/legacy\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Legacy.jpg?fit=1697%2C977&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1697,977\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Legacy\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Legacy Workspace&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Legacy.jpg?fit=800%2C461&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-1513 zoooom\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Legacy.jpg?resize=438%2C252&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Genealogy for beginners\" width=\"438\" height=\"252\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Legacy.jpg?w=1697&amp;ssl=1 1697w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Legacy.jpg?resize=300%2C173&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Legacy.jpg?resize=768%2C442&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Legacy.jpg?resize=1024%2C590&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Legacy.jpg?w=1600&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 438px) 100vw, 438px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1513\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Legacy Workspace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"4367\" data-end=\"4404\">A typical genealogy program lets you:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4406\" data-end=\"4716\">\n<li data-start=\"4406\" data-end=\"4483\">\n<p data-start=\"4408\" data-end=\"4483\">Build your <strong data-start=\"4419\" data-end=\"4434\">family tree<\/strong> with people, relationships, places, and events<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4484\" data-end=\"4540\">\n<p data-start=\"4486\" data-end=\"4540\">Attach <strong data-start=\"4493\" data-end=\"4504\">sources<\/strong>, notes, and images to each person<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4541\" data-end=\"4615\">\n<p data-start=\"4543\" data-end=\"4615\">Generate <strong data-start=\"4552\" data-end=\"4571\">pedigree charts<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"4576\" data-end=\"4599\">family group sheets<\/strong> automatically<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4616\" data-end=\"4716\">\n<p data-start=\"4618\" data-end=\"4716\">Export and import trees using <strong data-start=\"4648\" data-end=\"4658\">GEDCOM<\/strong> (useful if you change programs or share with relatives)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4718\" data-end=\"4751\">When choosing software, look for:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4753\" data-end=\"4957\">\n<li data-start=\"4753\" data-end=\"4826\">\n<p data-start=\"4755\" data-end=\"4826\">The ability to <strong data-start=\"4770\" data-end=\"4797\">record sources properly<\/strong> (not just names and dates)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4827\" data-end=\"4895\">\n<p data-start=\"4829\" data-end=\"4895\">Clear charts and reports you can print and keep with your papers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4896\" data-end=\"4957\">\n<p data-start=\"4898\" data-end=\"4957\">Regular backups (either in the cloud or to a local drive)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4959\" data-end=\"5236\">Some people prefer standalone programs on their computer; others like online trees that sync across devices. There is no single \u201cright\u201d choice. The important thing, especially when you are <strong data-start=\"5148\" data-end=\"5186\">organizing your genealogy research<\/strong>, is to pick one solution and use it consistently.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5238\" data-end=\"5505\">On <em data-start=\"5241\" data-end=\"5276\">Norwegian Genealogy and Then Some<\/em>, I often show screenshots and examples from digital trees, research planners, and other tools. Use whatever program suits you, but make sure it works together with your paper and folder system instead of replacing it completely. <a href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/best-genealogy-software-in-2025-a-practical-comparison\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Be sure to check out Best Genealogy Software 2025.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5507\" data-end=\"5510\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"5512\" data-end=\"5553\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recording_your_sources_from_the_beginning_when_getting_started_with_genealogy\"><\/span>Recording\u00a0 your sources from the beginning when getting started with genealogy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5555\" data-end=\"5689\">One of the most important lessons in genealogy for beginners is this: <strong data-start=\"5625\" data-end=\"5688\">always write down where you found each piece of information<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5691\" data-end=\"5766\">It doesn\u2019t have to be in perfect academic style. It simply needs to answer:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5768\" data-end=\"6019\">\n<li data-start=\"5768\" data-end=\"5835\">\n<p data-start=\"5770\" data-end=\"5835\">What is it? (Church book, census, passenger list, letter, etc.)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5836\" data-end=\"5889\">\n<p data-start=\"5838\" data-end=\"5889\">Where is it? (Archive, website, book, collection)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5890\" data-end=\"5967\">\n<p data-start=\"5892\" data-end=\"5967\">Which details identify it? (Year, page, entry number, farm, parish, etc.)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5968\" data-end=\"6019\">\n<p data-start=\"5970\" data-end=\"6019\">When did you access it? (Especially for websites)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"6021\" data-end=\"6073\">For example, instead of \u201cbaptism record\u201d, you write:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"6075\" data-end=\"6187\">\n<p data-start=\"6077\" data-end=\"6187\">Baptism of Ole Olsen, 3 April 1870, Tresfjord parish, M\u00f8re og Romsdal, church book 1865\u20131877, page 45, no. 12.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"6189\" data-end=\"6564\">Whether you keep this in a notebook, in genealogy software, or in a simple spreadsheet like <a href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/a-good-research-log-is-an-old-tradition-the-spreadsheet-im-sharing-here-is-simply-a-way-to-bring-that-same-careful-methodical-habit-into-a-digital-format-thats-easy-to-search-fi\/\">my <strong data-start=\"6284\" data-end=\"6314\">genealogy research planner<\/strong>,<\/a> the habit is the same. If you do this from the very beginning, <strong data-start=\"6379\" data-end=\"6417\">organizing your genealogy research<\/strong> becomes much easier. You can always return to a record, double-check details, or show a skeptical cousin exactly where your information came from.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6189\" data-end=\"6564\">Read about recording and evaluating sources in my article <a href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/lets-do-it-right-the-first-time-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Let&#8217;s do it right the first time.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6566\" data-end=\"6569\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"6571\" data-end=\"6616\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_simple_forms_to_keep_families_together\"><\/span>Use simple forms to keep families together<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6618\" data-end=\"6863\">When you are working with several generations, it is easy to lose track of which children belong to which parents and where they lived. Simple <strong data-start=\"6761\" data-end=\"6784\">family group sheets<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"6789\" data-end=\"6808\">pedigree charts<\/strong> are traditional tools that still work perfectly today.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6865\" data-end=\"6887\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"10318\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way\/pedigree_chart\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pedigree_chart.jpg?fit=1297%2C1934&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1297,1934\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Eidhammer&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Pedigree_chart\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pedigree_chart.jpg?fit=687%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignright wp-image-10318\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pedigree_chart.jpg?resize=311%2C463&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Genealogy for beginners\" width=\"311\" height=\"463\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pedigree_chart.jpg?w=1297&amp;ssl=1 1297w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pedigree_chart.jpg?resize=201%2C300&amp;ssl=1 201w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pedigree_chart.jpg?resize=687%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 687w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pedigree_chart.jpg?resize=768%2C1145&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pedigree_chart.jpg?resize=1030%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1030w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 311px) 100vw, 311px\" \/>For each couple, note:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6889\" data-end=\"7084\">\n<li data-start=\"6889\" data-end=\"6923\">\n<p data-start=\"6891\" data-end=\"6923\">Names (including maiden names)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6924\" data-end=\"6967\">\n<p data-start=\"6926\" data-end=\"6967\">Birth, marriage, death dates and places<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6968\" data-end=\"6997\">\n<p data-start=\"6970\" data-end=\"6997\">Occupations and addresses<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6998\" data-end=\"7035\">\n<p data-start=\"7000\" data-end=\"7035\">Children with their basic details<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7036\" data-end=\"7084\">\n<p data-start=\"7038\" data-end=\"7084\">Notes about sources and unresolved questions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"7086\" data-end=\"7094\">You can:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"7096\" data-end=\"7245\">\n<li data-start=\"7096\" data-end=\"7141\">\n<p data-start=\"7098\" data-end=\"7141\">Print out forms and file them in a binder<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7142\" data-end=\"7189\">\n<p data-start=\"7144\" data-end=\"7189\">Let your genealogy software generate charts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7190\" data-end=\"7245\">\n<p data-start=\"7192\" data-end=\"7245\">Or combine both, which many genealogists still prefer<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"7247\" data-end=\"7344\">The important thing is consistency: always record the same kind of information in the same place.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7247\" data-end=\"7344\"><a href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/downloads\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">You can find free <strong data-start=\"6761\" data-end=\"6784\">family group sheets<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"6789\" data-end=\"6808\">pedig<\/strong><strong data-start=\"6789\" data-end=\"6808\">ree charts<\/strong> in my Download section.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7346\" data-end=\"7349\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"7351\" data-end=\"7401\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_a_research_log_to_avoid_repeating_yourself\"><\/span>Keep a research log to avoid repeating yourself<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"7403\" data-end=\"7579\">Another classic tool in genealogy for beginners is the <strong data-start=\"7458\" data-end=\"7474\">research log<\/strong>. This is simply a record of what you searched for, where you looked, and what you found\u2014or did not find.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7581\" data-end=\"7629\">A basic research log might have columns such as:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"7631\" data-end=\"7854\">\n<li data-start=\"7631\" data-end=\"7639\">\n<p data-start=\"7633\" data-end=\"7639\">Date<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7640\" data-end=\"7680\">\n<p data-start=\"7642\" data-end=\"7680\">Person or family you were working on<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7681\" data-end=\"7757\">\n<p data-start=\"7683\" data-end=\"7757\">Question (for example: \u201cFind baptism for Kari Nilsdatter, born c. 1850\u201d)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7758\" data-end=\"7801\">\n<p data-start=\"7760\" data-end=\"7801\">Source checked (archive, website, book)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7802\" data-end=\"7840\">\n<p data-start=\"7804\" data-end=\"7840\">Result (found \/ not found \/ maybe)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7841\" data-end=\"7854\">\n<p data-start=\"7843\" data-end=\"7854\">Next step<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"7856\" data-end=\"8068\">You can keep this in a notebook, in your genealogy software (as research notes), or in a spreadsheet. I often like a simple table: it is part of quietly <strong data-start=\"8009\" data-end=\"8047\">organizing your genealogy research<\/strong> like a professional.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8070\" data-end=\"8219\">The research log saves time, prevents you from repeating the same fruitless searches, and gives you a clear overview of how your work is progressing.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8070\" data-end=\"8219\">I provide a free research log that you can run in Google sheets <a href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/a-good-research-log-is-an-old-tradition-the-spreadsheet-im-sharing-here-is-simply-a-way-to-bring-that-same-careful-methodical-habit-into-a-digital-format-thats-easy-to-search-fi\/\">You can download it here.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"8221\" data-end=\"8224\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"8226\" data-end=\"8271\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Separate_%E2%80%9Cproven%E2%80%9D_and_%E2%80%9Cpossible%E2%80%9D_relatives\"><\/span>Separate \u201cproven\u201d and \u201cpossible\u201d relatives<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"8273\" data-end=\"8436\">Beginners often want to connect to famous people or dramatic stories as quickly as possible. There is nothing wrong with being curious, but it is wise to separate:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"8438\" data-end=\"8599\">\n<li data-start=\"8438\" data-end=\"8515\">\n<p data-start=\"8440\" data-end=\"8515\"><strong data-start=\"8440\" data-end=\"8460\">Proven ancestors<\/strong> \u2013 people for whom you have good, documented evidence<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"8516\" data-end=\"8599\">\n<p data-start=\"8518\" data-end=\"8599\"><strong data-start=\"8518\" data-end=\"8542\">Possible connections<\/strong> \u2013 people who <em data-start=\"8556\" data-end=\"8563\">might<\/em> be related but are not yet proven<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"8601\" data-end=\"8620\">You can do this by:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"8622\" data-end=\"8819\">\n<li data-start=\"8622\" data-end=\"8708\">\n<p data-start=\"8624\" data-end=\"8708\">Keeping <strong data-start=\"8632\" data-end=\"8650\">separate trees<\/strong> (for example, one \u201cworking tree\u201d and one \u201cproven tree\u201d)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"8709\" data-end=\"8819\">\n<p data-start=\"8711\" data-end=\"8819\">Using <strong data-start=\"8717\" data-end=\"8733\">clear labels<\/strong> in your notes and software, such as \u201chypothesis\u201d, \u201cunproven\u201d, or \u201cneeds confirmation\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"8821\" data-end=\"8971\">This simple distinction protects the quality of your work and keeps family legends in their proper place until the records confirm\u2014or contradict\u2014them.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"8973\" data-end=\"8976\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"8978\" data-end=\"9011\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Back_up_and_preserve_your_work\"><\/span>Back up and preserve your work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"9013\" data-end=\"9159\">Part of genealogy for beginners (and for experts) is thinking about the future. Family history is not just for us; it is for the next generations.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9189\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9189\" style=\"width: 341px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"9189\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/christmas-gifts-from-the-archives-year-end-research-projects\/external-hard-drive-webp\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/external-hard-drive.webp?fit=640%2C394&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"640,394\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"external-hard-drive.webp\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;External hard drive&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/external-hard-drive.webp?fit=640%2C394&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-9189\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/external-hard-drive.webp?resize=341%2C210&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"341\" height=\"210\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/external-hard-drive.webp?w=640&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/external-hard-drive.webp?resize=300%2C185&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 341px) 100vw, 341px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9189\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">External hard drive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"9161\" data-end=\"9185\">A few basic habits help:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"9187\" data-end=\"9479\">\n<li data-start=\"9187\" data-end=\"9265\">\n<p data-start=\"9189\" data-end=\"9265\">Regular <strong data-start=\"9197\" data-end=\"9208\">backups<\/strong> of your digital files (external drive + cloud storage)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"9266\" data-end=\"9329\">\n<p data-start=\"9268\" data-end=\"9329\">Printing out key charts and summaries for a physical binder<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"9330\" data-end=\"9412\">\n<p data-start=\"9332\" data-end=\"9412\">Writing short narratives or summaries that explain the main lines of your tree<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"9413\" data-end=\"9479\">\n<p data-start=\"9415\" data-end=\"9479\">Labeling photographs with names, places, and approximate dates<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"9481\" data-end=\"9765\">On the blog I often encourage readers to go beyond the pure data and write short stories, scene by scene. The better you are at <strong data-start=\"9609\" data-end=\"9647\">organizing your genealogy research<\/strong> today, the easier it will be for your children, grandchildren, or other relatives to understand and carry it forward.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"9767\" data-end=\"9770\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"9772\" data-end=\"9810\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_small_and_build_steady_habits\"><\/span>Start small and build steady habits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"9812\" data-end=\"9953\">You don\u2019t need to be perfect, and you don\u2019t need a complete system before you start. The main thing is to begin with a few <strong data-start=\"9935\" data-end=\"9952\">steady habits<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"9955\" data-end=\"10242\">\n<li data-start=\"9955\" data-end=\"9984\">\n<p data-start=\"9957\" data-end=\"9984\">Write down what you know.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"9985\" data-end=\"10028\">\n<p data-start=\"9987\" data-end=\"10028\">File each document in a sensible place.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"10029\" data-end=\"10053\">\n<p data-start=\"10031\" data-end=\"10053\">Record your sources.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"10054\" data-end=\"10104\">\n<p data-start=\"10056\" data-end=\"10104\">Note what you searched for and what you found.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"10105\" data-end=\"10149\">\n<p data-start=\"10107\" data-end=\"10149\">Keep proven facts separate from guesses.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"10150\" data-end=\"10242\">\n<p data-start=\"10152\" data-end=\"10242\">Let genealogy software help with structure, but keep paper and simple notes close at hand.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"10244\" data-end=\"10484\">This is all genealogy for beginners really needs: clear records, thoughtful organization, and a bit of patience. From there, your tree will grow, your skills will improve, and you will build a family history that others can trust and enjoy.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"10486\" data-end=\"10759\">If you want to dig deeper, feel free to explore more articles on <em data-start=\"10551\" data-end=\"10586\">Norwegian Genealogy and Then Some<\/em>\u2014for example my posts on reading Gothic handwriting and using Norwegian church books. They are all written in the same spirit: learning together, one careful step at a time.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"10486\" data-end=\"10759\">If you have questions about Norway and\/or Norwegian Genealogy, don&#8217;t hesitate to send me a word through my <a href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact page.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Genealogy for beginners can feel overwhelming: names, dates, places, websites, family stories, old letters, photographs. Before you know it, everything<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9226,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"default","_google_business_share_type":"default","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[158],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10316","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-getting-started-your-first-steps"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Genealogy for beginners: start the right way - Norwegian Genealogy and then some<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Start your journey with genealogy for beginners. Learn how to organize your research simply and effectively.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/genealogy-for-beginners-start-the-right-way\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Genealogy for beginners: start the right way\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Start your journey with genealogy for beginners. 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You can start your search right here and now. All you need is a piece of paper and a pen. The first place to search is your own memory. What do you already know?\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Getting started \/ Your first steps&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Getting started \/ Your first steps","link":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/category\/starting-with-genealogy\/getting-started-your-first-steps\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Genealogy2-strong.jpg?fit=516%2C344&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":11116,"url":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/book-review-the-craft-of-historical-research\/","url_meta":{"origin":10316,"position":5},"title":"Book Review: The Craft of Historical Research","author":"Martin Roe Eidhammer","date":"March 15, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Most genealogists begin with names, dates, and places. Historians, on the other hand, usually begin with questions about societies and historical change. Yet the methods used by both groups are remarkably similar. This book review, The Craft of Historical Research, takes a closer look at the book, where Isaac Land\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Books&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Books","link":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/category\/life-in-general\/books\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Books.jpg?fit=600%2C400&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Books.jpg?fit=600%2C400&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Books.jpg?fit=600%2C400&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10316","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10316"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10756,"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10316\/revisions\/10756"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9226"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10316"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10316"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}