Shopping List
This page contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the site — thank you!
What You Actually Need for Ancestry Research
Starting your ancestry research journey doesn’t require expensive equipment or specialized software. Whether you’re tracing your family tree back three generations or uncovering distant relatives across continents, the right tools make the process smoother, more organized, and significantly more enjoyable. This shopping list covers essential items that beginners use to document findings, organize information, and connect with their heritage effectively.
1. Genealogy Software
Genealogy software serves as the backbone of your research, allowing you to input family members, dates, relationships, and sources in one organized location. Popular programs automatically generate family trees and timelines while helping you avoid duplicate entries. Cloud-based options also sync across devices, letting you update your research from anywhere.
Why beginners need it: Without organization software, you’ll quickly become overwhelmed tracking dozens of names, dates, and relationships across generations. A dedicated program prevents losing valuable research and makes sharing your findings with relatives simple.
What to look for: Choose software that offers both desktop and mobile access, integrates with major genealogy databases, and provides intuitive navigation for first-time users. Look for programs with free trial periods so you can test compatibility with your research style.
2. Document Scanner
A portable document scanner digitizes old family photos, birth certificates, marriage licenses, and handwritten letters that are irreplaceable. Scanning preserves these documents safely while making them searchable and shareable with family members. Many modern scanners use optical character recognition (OCR) to convert handwriting into searchable text.
Why beginners need it: Many ancestral documents exist only in physical form, and original copies can deteriorate or be lost. Scanning creates backup copies while allowing you to organize everything digitally alongside your research.
What to look for: Select a scanner with automatic document feeders, OCR capabilities, and both color and black-and-white scanning modes. Portable scanners with USB charging work well for researching at libraries, archives, or relatives’ homes.
3. Research Journal or Notebook
A dedicated research journal tracks which databases you’ve searched, which records you’ve reviewed, and what you still need to find. Keeping notes prevents duplicate efforts and documents your research methodology for others to follow. Some genealogists use structured notebooks with prompts for recording sources and findings systematically.
Why beginners need it: When researching across multiple websites and databases, it’s easy to forget which records you’ve checked or sources you’ve consulted. A journal maintains your research path and proves credibility of your findings.
What to look for: Choose a durable notebook with thick pages that won’t show ink bleed-through, adequate space for detailed notes, and possibly an index for easy reference. Some genealogists prefer numbered pages for citation purposes.
4. DNA Testing Kit
DNA ancestry tests provide biological connections to distant relatives and can confirm family relationships or reveal unexpected connections. These kits use your saliva to analyze your genetic makeup and compare it against databases containing millions of other users. Results often include ethnicity breakdowns and matches to potential relatives.
Why beginners need it: DNA testing breaks through brick walls in your research by connecting you with relatives you didn’t know existed and confirming family branches. It’s particularly valuable when paper trails end or when tracing maternal or paternal lines.
What to look for: Compare testing companies by database size, privacy policies, and the quality of relative matching features. Some kits offer additional health information or more detailed ethnicity reports at higher price points.
5. Reference Books on Genealogy Methodology
Comprehensive genealogy guides teach proper research methods, source documentation, and how to evaluate historical records critically. These books explain the differences between various record types, how to read old documents, and strategies for overcoming research challenges. Many include case studies demonstrating how experienced genealogists solved complex family puzzles.
Why beginners need it: Without proper methodology, you might accept unreliable sources or create false connections between family members. Learning correct techniques from the start prevents wasting time on dead ends and builds credible family documentation.
What to look for: Select books focused on beginners that explain source citation formats, research planning, and how to distinguish reliable records from secondary sources. Look for recently updated editions reflecting modern database accessibility.
6. Archival Storage Boxes and Acid-Free Sleeves
Acid-free storage materials protect original documents, photographs, and keepsakes from deterioration caused by environmental factors. Archival-quality boxes, folders, and sleeves prevent yellowing, fading, and brittleness that occurs with standard paper products. Proper storage extends the life of irreplaceable family documents for future generations.
Why beginners need it: Original family documents represent irreplaceable historical records that deserve proper protection. Improper storage can destroy documents within years, making archival supplies an investment in preserving your family’s legacy.
What to look for: Purchase boxes labeled as acid-free and lignin-free, which are specifically designed for document preservation. Sleeves should be made from polyester or polypropylene rather than PVC, and consider dividers for organizing documents by person or time period.
7. Magnifying Glass for Document Reading
Historical documents often feature faded ink, small handwriting, or difficult script that challenges modern eyes. A quality magnifying glass reveals details that might otherwise be invisible, helping you read signatures, dates, and important information accurately. Some genealogists use illuminated magnifiers that combine magnification with adjustable lighting.
Why beginners need it: Misreading old documents due to poor visibility can introduce errors into your family tree that compound across your research. A magnifying glass ensures you capture accurate information from every original document you examine.
What to look for: Choose magnification strength between 3x and 10x depending on your eyesight and the documents you’re examining. Illuminated options prove particularly helpful when reading faded historical documents or viewing microfilm.
8. External Hard Drive for Backup Storage
An external hard drive provides secure backup storage for your genealogy database, scanned documents, and photo collections. Digital backups protect your research from computer failures, accidental deletion, or hardware damage. Many genealogists maintain multiple backups in different physical locations for maximum protection.
Why beginners need it: Hours of genealogy research can vanish instantly if your computer crashes without backup copies. An external drive is affordable insurance against losing months or years of documented family history.
What to look for: Select drives with adequate capacity for your projected research size, rugged construction if you’ll transport it frequently, and fast transfer speeds. Consider drives with built-in encryption if your family research contains sensitive information.
9. Pedigree Chart Printing Supplies
Pedigree chart templates visually display your family tree structure in organized, easy-to-understand formats. High-quality printing on sturdy paper creates charts suitable for framing, sharing at family reunions, or presenting at genealogy conferences. Many genealogists keep both digital and printed versions for reference during research sessions.
Why beginners need it: Visual family tree displays help you identify gaps in your research and communicate your findings to relatives who prefer visual formats over written explanations. Charts also motivate continued research by showing progress visually.
What to look for: Choose chart templates compatible with your genealogy software that allow customization of generations displayed. Look for heavy-weight paper or cardstock for durability if you’ll handle charts frequently during research.
10. Photo Identification and Archival Labels
Proper photo identification preserves crucial context about your family images, including names, dates, locations, and relationships. Archival-quality labels and permanent yet removable markers ensure information stays with photos without damaging originals. Organized photo collections become family treasures rather than mystery boxes of unidentified faces.
Why beginners need it: Unidentified photos lose historical value and create frustration for future generations trying to understand your family history. Proper labeling takes minutes per photo but preserves generations of knowledge about your ancestors.
What to look for: Purchase archival-safe labels with acid-free adhesive and permanent ink specifically designed for photographs. Some genealogists prefer external labeling methods like archival boxes or captions rather than direct photo marking.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Start with free resources: Many genealogy websites offer free trials or limited-access plans that allow substantial research before paying. Libraries provide free access to ancestry databases and genealogy software, significantly reducing your initial investment while you determine your commitment level.
- Buy supplies gradually: You don’t need everything immediately. Begin with essential items like genealogy software and a research journal, then add specialized equipment as your research expands. This approach spreads costs over time and prevents purchasing items you might not actually use.
- Use community resources: Many genealogy societies, local history museums, and archives offer free document access and research assistance. Family history centers associated with certain religious organizations provide free computer access and microfilm collections, eliminating equipment purchases entirely.
Beginner vs Advanced Gear
Beginners require only basic essentials: genealogy software, a research journal, and access to genealogy databases through libraries or free websites. As your expertise grows, you’ll appreciate specialized equipment like professional scanners, DNA testing kits, and advanced genealogy software features that handle complex family structures across centuries. Many experienced genealogists eventually invest in document cameras for remote research, specialized forensic genealogy guides, and subscription access to multiple databases simultaneously. However, successful ancestry research fundamentally depends on methodology and persistence rather than expensive equipment—some of the most impressive family trees were built with nothing more than a notebook, public library access, and determination. Your best investment is always quality education about research methods, which prevents costly mistakes and dead ends regardless of your equipment budget.
Ready to Sell Your Work?
Selling Platforms
Partner recommendations coming soon.