Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-176) and index.

Introduction -- The 5 fundamental Ws of research -- What's your starting point? -- Stay organized -- Explore helpful online databases -- Document your research -- Develop a research outline -- Reflect -- Nationality, race, ethnicity, culture, and ancestry -- Genetic and ancestral research: There's a big difference -- Preserve and share your family's story -- Access public information -- Save your photos -- Create a genealogy timeline -- What an census records do for you? -- Explore marriage records -- Examine vital records -- Explore your heritage -- Access land records -- Retrieve military records -- Genealogy research: In person versus online -- Explore local history -- Make use of maps -- The most common brick walls in research -- Conduct international research -- Cite sources -- Use newspapers in genealogical research -- Begin African American research -- Identify community support -- Identify worthwhile blogs -- What's a pioneer certificate? -- Research naturalization records -- Ellis Island and the multiple Ellis Islands for enslaved Africans -- Search and use naturalization records -- Find and review passenger ship logs -- Track down elusive arrival and naturalization records -- Write a successful record request -- Search for published family histories -- Listen to the music of your heritage -- Searching for orphaned, adopted, and bound-out children -- Reflect -- The importance of migration routes -- Understand ancestral financial records -- Review coroner's records and obituaries -- Visit a cemetery -- Investigate an industry -- Write your family's ethnic/immigrant story -- Make a family heirloom -- Track down out-of-print items -- Bring your research logs to life -- Reflect.