Genealogy is the study of family history and the tracing of lineages. It can be a fascinating, fun, and rewarding hobby, and it can also be a valuable tool for understanding our own history and identity.
There are many different ways to do genealogy. Some people start by interviewing their family members and collecting stories and anecdotes. Others search for records in churches, courthouses, and other archives. And still others may use genetic testing to help them trace their ancestry.
No matter how you choose to do it, genealogy can be a great way to learn about your family’s past. It can help you connect with your ancestors, learn about your family’s traditions and culture, and discover your own place in history.
Some Tips for Getting Started with Genealogy
- Start by gathering as much information as you can about your family. This includes names, dates, and places.
- Talk to your family members and ask them about their memories and stories. Also, ask for photos and documents of the person(s) being researched.
- Search for baptism, marriage, and death records in churches.
- Search for marriage licenses, divorce, tutorship, and succession records in courthouses.
- Search for military records.
- Search other archives.
- Search libraries for family books and other possible information.
- Both libraries and courthouses may contain a set of Southwest Louisiana Records book volumes.
- Use online genealogy databases and websites.
- Join a genealogy club or society, such as the Lafayette Genealogy Society and Louisiana Genealogical and Historical Society.
Tips When Researching
- Baptism records contain the parents’ names and sometimes have the names of the grandparents and sponsors (God-parents).
- Marriage records are usually separate for the bride and groom; their parents’ names are generally included.
- Successions may have the names of spouses, parents, and children.
Southwest Louisiana Records
The Reverend Donald J. Hebert compiled the Southwest Louisiana Records, a volume of books containing information on records from the late 1600s to the early-1900s collected from churches and courthouses, such as baptisms, marriages, deaths, and successions. He and his team went to area courthouses and churches to transcribe the documents that were found. These books help people find information about their ancestors who lived in the areas covered in the books. Once the information is found, researchers will know where the original record is located and, if desired, can obtain a document of the record.
Lafayette Genealogy Society
The Lafayette Genealogical Society encourages an interest in all family history and collects, preserves, and makes available Attakapas area history. This includes the Parishes of Lafayette, St. Martin, St. Mary, Acadia, Vermilion, Evangeline, and Iberia.
