The purpose of this book is to give beginners a guidebook on how to get started in climbing their family tree. I will not get into too much detail but offer enough explanation so one may quickly learn what to do and where to look. I will give examples of the records and documents being discussed and in a few cases the examples become explanation enough. I will not explain tracing your family tree beyond what is available in the United States documents and records. When you have exhausted all the records described in this book you should be ready to search for your immigrant ancestor's lineage. Then you can look at the more specific and comprehensive how to books. You will then be able to understand them better and get more out of them. I will give you some understanding of the tools you will need for your research, where to get your tools, addresses and places to do your research, and genealogy groups that can help you climb your family tree.