Genealogy is the study of family history, ancestors, and lineage. Historic research involves examining past events to uncover information about your family, community, or tribe. Both forms of research tell the story of your family and community.
To get started with your research:
- Interview relatives starting with immediate family and reaching out to extended family members.
- Document stories and facts that you know about your family.
- Read old family Bibles, look at old family pictures, and review genealogy websites for records and information.
- Check with your State and County genealogical association or historical society.
- Go to the public library. Many libraries have an entire section dedicated to Genealogy Research and Records.
- Using the information you have discovered, consult your city or county courthouse to get town records, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, wills, deeds, city directories, old newspaper clippings, etc.
- Use the Bureau of Indian Affairs guide to Tracing Your Indian Ancestry.
- For Native American Indian research in South Carolina, access the Native American South Carolina Archive. You may also contact the Native American Studies Center, or call (803) 313-7172 located at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster.
- For historical research, visit the South Carolina Department of Archives and History
- For Archaeology resources, visit the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology.
