What kind of tools do you need for your family detective work? Here’s a checklist of items you’ll find helpful. You probably have most of these things already. Ask a grown-up to help you gather the other items on the list.
- notepad
- pens or pencils
- blank genealogy forms to record information you uncover
- binder for storing your forms, notes and “evidence” you collect
- atlas for finding where your ancestors lived
- magnifying glass for inspecting documents and photographs
- relationship chart, which you can use with a grown-up’s help to figure out if someone is a first, second, third or even a “removed” cousin
- library card
- audio or video recorder for interviewing relatives
