Interest in genealogy has risen considerably over the last decade-plus, when digitization of public records has made it easier for people to learn about their family histories. Genealogical websites and services have further benefitted people interested in their family histories.

Anyone who has the itch to learn more about their ancestry can do so in a number of ways, and these tips can help them get started.

Start by speaking with older relatives. Parents, grandparents and great-grandparents can be invaluable resources for younger relatives looking to learn about their family histories. Some may have already gathered information and records about their ancestors. Older relatives also can share stories about ancestors that won’t appear in digitized records or on genealogy sites, and such anecdotes can provide the spark needed to explore a family history as thoroughly as possible.

Gather as much relevant information as possible. A family history project can move along more efficiently and swiftly when those behind the research gather as much relevant information as possible. Birth dates, maiden names, existing documentation (such as physical copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, etc.), and property records can make it easier to find information about your ancestry. Many families have physical copies of these types of records that may also note relevant information, such as a grandmother’s maiden name. Arming yourself with as much information as possible prior to working with a genealogy service may speed up the process and result in a more detailed record of your family history.

Make use of modern services. Plenty of accessible services, some of which are free, can help people uncover information about their ancestry. FamilySearch (familysearch.org), the National Archives and the USGenWeb Project are some free genealogy resources that can help people learn about their family histories. Subscription-based services like Ancestry.com also can be invaluable resources.