Many people seek a sense of history through their own family and ancestors. Genealogical experts suggest beginning with current family stories, tracing them back in time and using documentary evidence to confirm and add to those stories. This pursuit can lead one to a better understanding no only of one's ancestors and of history, but of the challenges of finding and interpreting evidence relating to people and events that often did not leave much documentary evidence.

Authors: David T. Thackery and Dee Woodtor
Source: Chicago Historical Society (ICHi-37952)