Paths to Your Past: A Guide to Finding Your Ancestors

by Pamela Boyer Sayre

This booklet will help you begin your search for your ancestors. It tells you how to collect information from your family, libraries, government agencies at all levels, and the Internet; how to record facts; and how to write citations for your sources so you or anyone else can find them again in the future if need be. You will also find suggestions for learning more about genealogy.

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Linda Hartlaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read genealogy books, my usual method is to read through the book once and then go back with my trusty highlighter and highlight the important sections so that I can find them easily. Just a few pages into this book and I realized that if I did that, 97 percent of this book would be in fluorescent colors.

Pam has packed this slim book with information on starting your genealogical journey, sources, using the internet and libraries, keeping records including family group sheets and pedigree charts, genealogical computer programs, on-line trees and organization. Not just for beginners, intermediate and advanced researchers should keep this book on the shelf right next to the BCG Standards and Evidence Explained. It slants heavily towards NGS research methods, but that's ok because NGS is a premier organization.

[Brad Garton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good beginning course in Genealogy. It doesn't go into depth on any topic, but is instead intended to give an overview of sound methods to start doing family history, and where to go next in your education on the subject. It's also a good reminder for sources, and methods you may have forgotten.
There are a lot of notes on potential sources that are helpful. There is an overview of tools to use that is up to date. All in all a GREAT starting book.

This book is available on the National Genealogists Society website. The reference on this site is to the first edition, but the second edition is out and is the one I actually read. The book is available as a pdf in addition to it's print form.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for top-level introduction to genealogy research, especially for beginners or those wanting a quick baseline refresh.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for beginners. Good resource for others who need a refresher and info is current.