Practical Genealogy

Uncover facts and mysteries of your ancestors—a clear approach to genealogy

The pursuit of family history tends to be shaped by several motives, including finding a larger familial historical picture, preserving the past for future generations, and storytelling. Practical Genealogy provides a method for investigating your family history by establishing an understanding of genealogy and the factors, tasks, and obstacles involved in the research. The end goal: find the information necessary to piece together your heritage.

Follow 50 steps that will fill in the puzzle of your lineage. Learn how to perform your own investigation through the lens of real-world obstacles like tracing ancestry through adoptions and orphanages. Practical Genealogy simplifies and breaks down the complex research process into actionable tips that can be conducted over a period of time. And most importantly, no blood test is necessary.

Inside Practical Genealogy you'll find:

• Break through barriers—Learn how to negotiate common "brick wall" issues like missing chunks of family history or multiple names found for the same person.
• Case studies—Examples of actual genealogy research are provided to support the comprehension of each step of your exploration.
• See the BIG picture—Large fonts and easy-to-read images make learning easy for older adults.

When you take genealogy research into your own hands, your potential for discovery is limitless.

Brian Sheffey is an expert in mid-Atlantic and Southern American genealogical research with an emphasis on the intersection of white, black, and Native American genealogy. He believes that studying family histories is an opportunity to link Americans from different backgrounds and enable them to connect with each other. His own passion was inspired by his father, and his father’s drive and desire to discover the story of his family.