So here is my recommended method of studying your family history.  It is actually quite simple.

1. Write down everything you know.

2. Interview your family and find out what they know and what records might be able to share with you.

3. Only after interviewing family members should you begin you crack a book or enter your name in a search engine

4. Share what you find with your older relatives because it may spark additional memories for them.

5. Throughout the process, stay organized.

The other pages of this site will give you a little more insight into these steps.