LibGuides: Family History Overview: Overview

Family History Research

Family history can be a very rewarding and educational activity. The Minnesota Historical Society has a variety of resources to help you learn about your family's history. If you are just starting out on your family research it is best to begin in a systematic way. Your research will be more productive and generally more successful if you do.

Family History Research in 8 Easy Steps

Step 1: Start with what you know
Step 2: Prepare for your visit to the library.
Step 3: Determine the kind of record you need.
Step 4: Record your results.
Step 5: Decide what you want to find out next.
Step 6: What you can do at home.
Step 7: Read about the areas in which your ancestors lived.
Step 8: Read about doing family research. Join a society. Share your research.

Related Research Guides & Webpages

Adoption Research
A guide listing resources available at MNHS about people adopted in Minnesota.
Military Service Records Research
A guide listing the resources available at the MNHS library.
Vital Records: Birth, Death, & Marriage
A guide listing the resources available at the MNHS library.
Naturalization Records
A guide on researching nationalizations at MNHS.
State Institutions
A guide listing the resources available at the MNHS library.
Family History Resources & Research
MNHS Online Genealogy Guide, based on the print book A Guide to Family History Resources at the Minnesota Historical Society.

Research Options

Visit the MNHS Library
Original materials, records, and newspapers on microfilm are available on site and reference staff can help with research.
MNHS Research Services
Order copies of records, articles, or other specific materials from the MNHS collections.
Your Local Library
Many books listed in the Secondary Sources can be checked out at other libraries.
Local Historical Societies
A list of MN county and town historical societies, with contact info and web links
Ancestry.com
A genealogy website with records from all over the world. Access requires a subscription. Visit the MNHS Library to use our subscription.
Family Search
A free family history site that allows you to search records from around the world.

Guide Author

Brigid Shields
Reference Librarian

MNHS Reference Staff

651-259-3300

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