Uncovering information about your family’s past can explain so many different aspects of your present. It can be such a fun and inspiring experience to learn more about your heritage, but how can you begin to find out about your relatives and where they come from? Luckily it needn’t be as difficult as you might expect, as there are several tips and tricks that you can make the most of to uncover your own vast family tree in no time at all. So, if you would like to find out more, then simply read on. 

Explore An Ancestral Records Site 

One of the easiest ways to start figuring out where (and from whom) you stem from involves exploring a dedicated ancestral website that maintains a wide array of data including various records that can help you to identify your past family. It may be as simple as typing in your last name, as you could be able to find out the origins of the name itself to crack the code of where your family originated. Scottish and Irish surnames seem to spread like wildfire, so if you have a very common last name such as Smith or O’Connor then you may find it difficult to pinpoint your exact ancestral past. Always double check the privacy statement on the website that you use to identify your previous family records, as you must ensure that any personal data you enter is not going to be stored or sold on. 

Use Your DNA

In recent years, the sheer volume of customers that are grasping at the chance to have their DNA tested to identify their origin has never been so high. So many businesses and brands have hopped onto the trend of using DNA and specific traits to pinpoint the decisions and events that have let to the current day, and it could be the perfect choice for you to start learning more about your family and where you come from. Popular providers use DNA matches to pair you up with the closest known individuals that maintain a very similar make up. This can help you to identify a whole range of past family members, including your parents if you do not know who they are, so it’s an opportunity that you should never miss when seeking to uncover more about your heritage and why you are who you are today. Again it’s important to maintain good security and privacy when using a DNA website, as you do not want any unauthorized data sharing that could put your personal safety at risk. Make sure that you opt out of allowing the brand or company to share your data with third party sites or businesses, as your DNA can be used in many ways. 

Ask Your Relatives, First-Hand

Speak with your older relatives and ask them to tell you the oral history of your family, share photographs with you and show you other heirlooms. Use a tape recorder or an app for recording so you can get their words down exactly right. You may learn new stories that have never been told to you — and it will give your relatives a chance to share their stories.

Category: Family

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