Do you love putting puzzles together? Pulling out all the outside edges that are easily put together so you can get to the middle. Oh the middle of a puzzle. So many pieces that could go in so many places. But, where exactly do they go? For many, doing genealogy is a huge puzzle. Finding the right piece to go in the right place is a thrilling adventure.
Oh, the middle of a puzzle. So many pieces that could go in so many places!
You know your parents, grandparents, and even your great grandparents. You have the outside of the puzzle. But now what do you do to start the inside of the puzzle? With a puzzle you start looking for pieces that resemble each other and putting them together. You have those stray pieces that just won’t fit anywhere until you mostly finish the puzzle. Genealogy is the same situation. You have pieces that have been passed down for different people. You group those pieces together. There are stray pieces of information you are not sure where it belongs or to whom, and you won’t be able to figure it out until more of the puzzle is done.
Outside First - Start with what you know
The best advice is to do the outside of the puzzle and work on each piece of the inside one at a time. It may take a couple tries to find the right fit. However, with persistence and dedication, the puzzle will become more and more complete until you see an end in sight. Genealogy is a one-piece-at-a-time puzzle that in the end will bring you and your ancestors so much joy.
