family tree maker program
MBBJones
many LDS libraries and genealogical societies' libraries.
This is my first year at genealogical research as well. I inherited dad's
research but have had trouble because not all of his documentation was in
his computer program. A genealogist always begins with what they know and
builds on that. I would recommend visiting your oldest relatives, take a
tape recorder and ask them questions about their parents, aunts & uncles,
brothers and sisters. From this you may get some birth dates locations to
start looking.
Second budget money for genealogical research. Just about everything will
cost you money! Do you have an LDS church in your community. They have
microfiche from many states and also computers with CD-ROM disks to do
research. Their volunteers will help you use their facility.
Many on-line services have genealogy forums. Check the on-line forum's
Library for files containing lists of state and local genealogical
societies. With basic information, they will help you research someone in
their community, county or state. (This will save you from having to
visit the community yourself where long distances are involved!).
In one case, I even wrote to the town mayor asking his help. I wrote a
letter to the local newspaper and to a historical society enclosing these
letters (pre-stamped) in the envelope to the mayor. I asked him to
address the envelope to the local newspaper and genealogical society.
Both were sent and I even got a real nice letter from the mayor himself.
(This was in a small town of 30,000)
I hope this little bit of advice helps!
=Betsy