Observed annually on December 23rd, National Roots Day is a holiday that encourages everyone to research their family history. Because the holidays are a time when many families come together, it’s the perfect opportunity for everyone to begin their research by asking their relatives for information that could help them start their search.

It’s also a good time for people who have extensive information about their ancestors to share that information with those family members who have been looking for it. After all, family research is an activity that can bring everyone together and help them understand where they come from a little better.

A Quick Guide To Family Research

If you plan on observing National Roots Day, then you’re going to need some information on how to start your genealogical research. The following points are a good start for anyone looking to begin their journey into the past.

• Ask relatives for names, locations, and dates, and write all that information down.
• Check family Bibles, military certificates, birth, and death certificates in your household for clues.
• Jump online and research U.S. Federal Census data. They have information going back to 1790.
• Check your state’s archives, prison records, and court records.
• Make a trip to the library for any archival information you can find.

Observing National Roots Day

As we said earlier, interviewing your family members is a good place to start your genealogical research. You can then spend some time learning more about your family. While you’re doing so, be sure to use the hashtag #NationalRootsDay on your social media accounts and let everyone know how your search is going.