Recall Information

Principles of Family History Research Step 1. Identify What You Know  Recall Information

Always begin research with yourself and work backward to identify you ancestors.

Recall information about yourself and your family. Write down (or type) your name, birth date, birthplace, marriage date, marriage place, spouse, and the children’s names and dates and places of their births, marriages, or deaths.

Recall similar information about each prior generation (parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and others.)

Try to recall both vital event and biographical information. See the following box.