Where to Begin (and What to Do Next)
If you’re researching ancestors connected to Fairfax County (or nearby Virginia communities), these are the steps I recommend—especially if you’re just getting started or you’re facing a tough brick wall.
1Start at Home
- Talk to relatives and record what they remember (and who told them).
- Collect photos, family papers, funeral cards, and old letters.
- Write down details—even “small” clues can matter later.
2Organize as You Go
- Use a genealogy program, spreadsheet, or online tree—whatever you’ll actually maintain.
- Track sources from day one so you can verify everything later.
- Create a simple research log: date, record set, result (found / not found).
3Use the Fairfax Resources
4Search Broadly (and Creatively)
- Try spelling variants and transcription quirks (e.g., “Smith” can appear like “Fith” in old script).
- Search for place names with surnames (townships, churches, roads, land features).
- Use the site search on Search This Site to scan transcriptions quickly.
5Ask in the Right Places
- Post to the official Fairfax query group: Fairfax Co., VAGenWeb Query Group.
- For Virginia-wide help, join: Virginia Genealogy Research at GenHeritage.
- Use Query Boards for other Fairfax/Virginia-specific options.
6Work the Records in Layers
- Census: check Fairfax and surrounding counties; 1850+ lists all household members by name.
- Vital records: births, marriages, deaths can name parents and provide locations.
- Cemeteries & newspapers: obituaries and burial records often reveal relationships.
- Court & land: deeds, wills, probate, and order books can connect families across generations.
Most important tip: Don’t take every detail as gospel—ask for sources, verify claims, and keep an open mind.
Family stories can be meaningful, but they still need evidence.