There is much more interest in genealogy and I have been asked a lot of questions, such as: "How do I start?" Here are a few basic things to getting started.

First of all, get some blank pedigree charts and family group sheets. These are available at the Doris Foley Library in the Genealogy Room and also at the Family History Center at the Church of Jesus Christ of The Latter-Day Saints, both in Nevada City, or the forms may be downloaded from several sites on the Internet.

Fill them out as best you can, beginning with yourself.

For records, search your home for any birth, marriage and death certificates your family may have.

Then ask your relatives for copies that you do not have. As you are filling out the forms, note where the information was found. You don't need certified documents - xerox copies will do.

Check safe deposit boxes, attics, basements, and any other places you can think of. Most families have discharge papers from the military service, and these documents have important information in them.

If you don't have a maiden name for someone and do not have a marriage record, look through photo albums, autograph books, scrapbooks, address books, old postcards and birthday cards. Diaries and journals can be full of information.

Although many of us put down vital information on family members that we know, be sure and view a document to confirm the date.

Attend genealogy seminars and conferences. These have classes for beginners to the advanced researcher. It makes it much easier in the long run if you have a good start with keeping records properly.

Land and tax records will place your ancestors so you can research census records.

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Check the Nevada County Genealogy Society Web page for coming events. http://www.rootweb.com/~cancgs