Can't Travel for Genealogy? Research From Home Like a Pro With These Genealogy Research Tips
*This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). All opinions remain my own.
If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to your ancestors’ hometowns to dig up records, explore old cemeteries, or knock on the doors of distant cousins, you’re not alone. Many people assume genealogy requires boots on the ground, but the truth is, there’s so much you can do right from your own desk. You just need a few genealogy research tips to get started on your own.
Before we dive in, I’m Jessica, a professional genealogist with 20 years of personal experience and five years helping clients across the U.S. and Canada. I specialize in research for Hawaii, New England, and French Canada. Whether you’re just starting out, feeling completely overwhelmed by what you’ve already found, or have hit a frustrating brick wall, I’m here to help you untangle the puzzle and make sense of your family story.
Whether you’re stuck at home or simply prefer to dig into family history at your own pace, there’s no shortage of ways to gather clues and connect the dots. As a professional genealogist, I’ve seen time and time again how much you can uncover without ever packing a suitcase.
Let’s dive into how you can research from home like a pro!
The Good News: You Can Build a Rich Family Tree Without Leaving Home
Researching from home isn’t second-best. In fact, many genealogists begin (and even continue!) their family history work without visiting a single archive in person. Digital tools and records have grown exponentially over the last two decades, and they’re often more accessible than you might think.
What’s more, you just need a few genealogy research tips to start at home. And by getting started on your own, it gets you organized and lays a solid foundation before traveling or investing in professional family history research services (I’d love to be considered!). So even if you’re stuck at the kitchen table, you can still make meaningful discoveries and build a family tree to be proud of.
Image by Gülşah Aydoğan Via Pexels
Gather and Organize What You Already Have
Before you jump into databases or start emailing distant relatives, start by gathering what you already have. You’d be amazed how many clues are sitting in your own home.
Look for:
Old family photos (check the back for names and dates)
Letters, diaries, or journals
Family bibles or baptismal records
Newspaper clippings or funeral programs
Set aside a dedicated folder or box to keep everything in one place. Then, start scanning or taking photos of these items so you have digital backups. Not only does this help protect fragile papers, but it also makes sharing with other family members easier.
Next, organize your finds in a way that works for you. Some people prefer digital folders by surname or location, while others like to keep everything in chronological order. There’s no one-size-fits-all method. The key is to create a system that makes sense to you so you can find documents when you need them.
Reach Out to Distant Relatives (Even If It Feels Awkward)
Reaching out to distant cousins or older family members can feel intimidating, especially if you haven’t spoken to them in years (or ever). But they’re often the key to unlocking family stories you won’t find in any database.
Start with a friendly email or letter explaining what you’re working on. Share a bit about yourself, mention why you’re curious about the family history, and let them know you’d love to hear any memories or stories they’re willing to share.
If you have photos or documents that relate to their branch of the family, include those as conversation starters. Many people are more than willing to talk when they see you’ve already done a bit of digging. Chances are, they’ll be excited to talk about the family and learn more as well!
Image By Oladimeji Ajegbile Via Pexels
Create a Research Plan to Stay Focused
One of the biggest genealogy research tips to keep in mind is to start with a plan and set some goals. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of websites, records, and possible leads. That’s why I always recommend creating a research plan first, even if it’s just a simple outline.
Your plan can include:
A specific question you want to answer like, “Where did my great-grandfather come from in Ireland?”
A list of records or databases you want to search
A note about any gaps you’re hoping to fill
A way to track what you’ve already checked
Think of your plan as a roadmap. It keeps you focused and prevents you from getting lost in endless rabbit holes. Plus, if you decide to hire a genealogist (hi!) down the line, sharing your plan and what you’ve already tried can save time and help them jump right in.
Dive Into Online Databases (The Right Way)
When you’re ready to start looking beyond your own home, there’s a treasure trove of online databases at your fingertips. Sites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, and MyHeritage offer billions of records, from census data to military drafts and immigration documents.
Here are a few genealogy research tips to make the most of them:
Start with the basics: Enter full names, birth dates, and places if you know them. If not, try broader searches with just a surname or a location.
Use wildcards: Many sites allow you to use * or ? to account for spelling variations (for instance, searching “Anders*n” can find both “Anderson” and “Andersen”).
Be flexible with spelling: Names often change over time or were misspelled in old records.
Check original images: Don’t rely only on transcriptions. The original documents can have notes or details that didn’t make it into the index or have mistakes.
Keep a running list: Save the databases and collections you’ve searched already (more on this later!) so you’re not duplicating work.
Researching online can be overwhelming at first, but remember, it’s not about finding everything at once. Small steps can lead to big breakthroughs.
Use Digital Archives, Newspapers, and Special Collections
Beyond the big-name genealogy websites, don’t forget about local and regional resources. Many libraries, historical societies, and archives have digitized their collections in recent years, making them accessible from home.
Digital archives often hold:
Oral history interviews
Historical photographs and maps
For instance, if your family lived in a specific town for generations, check the town’s library website. Many libraries have digital newspaper collections that aren’t available elsewhere.
If you’re stuck or not sure where to look, consider reaching out to a professional genealogist. They can help point you to lesser-known resources or even conduct research on your behalf.
How I Track My Finds
Another great genealogy research tip and one of the best ways to avoid frustration is to track both what you find and what you don’t. This simple habit has saved me countless hours.
I use two systems. First, a research log helps me track searches that didn’t turn up anything, so I don’t waste time repeating them. I also log people with the same surname in the same area who might be related, even if I haven’t figured out how they fit into the puzzle yet. These possible relatives can provide clues to piece together relationships later.
When I do find something, I keep a running Word document for each great-grandparent branch. I record everything in chronological order: full details from records like marriage certificates, obituaries, or census pages, plus simple citations so I know where I got the information.
I also make notes of anything to follow up on, like a minister’s name on a marriage certificate that might lead to church records.
And when I find multiple people with the same name (which happens a lot), I add quick notes like [son of John and Mary] or [born 1825, blacksmith] to keep them straight.
It may sound like a lot, but staying organized makes it much easier to pick up where I left off, and it’s a game changer when I hit tricky brick walls.
If you want more help getting organized, check out my shop for templates to keep your findings neat and easy to follow. You can also read my blog posts on setting up a research log and on researching potential relatives and collateral ancestors for more tips and ideas.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Researching from home can be rewarding, but sometimes you hit a wall. If you’ve used all of these genealogy research tips and still have gaps in your tree, consider reaching out to a professional genealogist, like me! With experience navigating tricky records and hidden collections, we can help you break through brick walls and uncover new stories.
At Heritage Discovered, I specialize in family history research services for curious beginners and those who’ve started digging but need a little help. Whether you’re looking for family tree help, want to hire a genealogist to tackle a tricky branch, or just need guidance on how to find your ancestors, get in touch with a free 20-minute discovery call! I’d love to help.
You can also explore my digital products, including workbooks, printable templates, and family history workbooks, in the shop. These resources are designed to keep you organized and motivated on your genealogy journey.
Remember, you don’t have to travel far to find your roots. With the right approach, you can uncover your family’s history from the comfort of your own home.