Check Your Attic

Adults usually keep old items in their attics. When you check your attic, you can find antique letters, old newspapers covering historical events, various documents, books, and photographs, as well as odd pieces of furniture, artwork, and vintage clothing. They are very useful in many family history studies because they are part of the family and carry time and date traces.

Because there are so many genealogical websites and archives available online, it's easy to underestimate the importance of a good old-fashioned paper. Old letters, photo albums, yearbooks, and even prosaic documents like old receipts can provide a more intimate peek into your family's history than any website could. While obtaining these may necessitate some digging and organizing, the facts found in your family's own documents can tell a narrative that no one else can.