Genealogy Overview

Although genealogy is the most widely used term for research into family history it is still really only in the true sense of the word focused on tracing combined family lineages. Surname studies for instance may only use a holistic approach to family heritage rather than concentrating on vital family data.

Genealogy encompasses a multitude of ways to discover a person’s lineage from present day to as far back as dated records will allow, making it a broader investigation into ones past. The primary objective with genealogy is only concerned with how family members and relatives, both deceased and living come together to form a unique and distinct family tree. Most of the information gathered is based on first hand accounts and second hand information passed down from earlier generations. Genealogy is also an investigation into lifestyles and cultures from earlier family generations and how the interacted with the world around them and what shaped their lives which in turn ultimately has forged your way of life and how you approach the future.

Early genealogy has its roots with early ancestry rulers and people of nobility. It was a way to prove ones high society lineage and ones direct connection to royalty enforcing their claim to wealth and power. Genealogy was often a term that was associated with and used along side heraldry, in which the family history, especially of nobles, emperors and kings was portrayed on the family coat of arms.

Today’s research into the genealogy of nobles has revealed that many claimed royal lineages were actually fabricated in some form or another. Many families misrepresented their family lines as a way to establish their power and reign over other families or to make their background more interesting and entertaining.

Genealogy is fast becoming a popular hobby throughout the modern world. Many nations and cultures have practised some form of genealogy without actually realising it. Interest in genealogy by both young and old has been boosted by the discovery of the internet. It has made the research process faster and more accessible to the many keen genealogists dotted all over the globe.

One of the easiest ways to become involved in genealogy is to join a genealogy society. This is an ideal way to learn and gain experience, especially from researchers that are experienced in this form of research. The shared knowledge that is gained by involving yourself in a society will benefit you in all your research endeavours, and of course the scope to develop in all fields of genealogy such as antique law, genetic genealogy, one name studies and one place studies but to mention a few will enhance the investigative process.

Setting up your own basic family tree is not as difficult as it may seem, within your immediate family you may find a wealth of information to get you started on your genealogy journey. You might find some interesting information and family secrets that have long been forgotten and may directly or indirectly have had an effect on your present situation or way of life. Your parents would be the most obvious place to start - moving on to your grandparents to take things back a little, and then further back where some true investigative skills may be needed to uncover information from earlier times. To learn about your past is an essential way to find out why you are the way you are and will most certainly gives a better understanding of where you are headed in the future.