Lasting Impressions: German-Americans in St. Louis

Family Histories - Trace Your Family

If you always wanted to begin your family tree, but were not quite sure how to go about doing genealogical research, here are some basic steps. Begin with yourself and work backward a generation at a time. Otherwise, you may find yourself climbing a branch that does not lead to your family.


	Create family charts
	Talk to your family
	Use official records
	Check names & places
	Contact other groups
	Best books & bytes
	Selected Excerpts

See your ancestors at a glance.

A pedigree chart allows you to track your direct line ancestors as far back as you can go.

The completed chart should contain each family member’s name, dates and places (country, state, county, and town) of birth, marriage, death, and cemetery.
St. Louis Public Library’s website contains a sample chart for 4 generations.

A family group sheet includes information about brothers and sisters.

Fill in the same information you did for those on your pedigree chart.
Space is provided so you can add information such occupation, schooling, and military service.

Sample pedigree charts and family group sheets are found on genealogy websites or as part of genealogy software you can purchase for your computer.