Beginning Genealogy

with Kevin Spire

Welcome to the Iowa Genealogical Society! This is a good place to begin your genealogical journey. Take a moment to view these four short videos that will help you get started on your family history journey. Whether you are beginning your search or are already on your way, these videos and associated handouts will help.

Note: In videos session click in the upper right corner, i.e. 1/4, to change to another video. Copy the hand out from these links or go to the video and copy the videos handout there.

Video – Getting Started – Session 01

Handout – Getting Started – 01

Video – Census, Vital Records, Family History Session – 02

Handout – Census, Vital Records, Family History – 02

Video – Warnings, Pitfalls, Work Habits – Session 03

Handout – Warnings, Pitfalls, Work Habits – 03

Video – Documenting and Organizing – Session 04

Handout Documenting and Organizing – 04

Family Group Sheet

Pedigree Chart

Research Checklist

Websites

Federal Census Information

Federal Census Column Headings

Midwest Genealogy Center Census Data Descriptions