Genealogy for Busy People: How to Start in Just 15 Minutes a Week
Think genealogy takes hours a day and stacks of dusty records? Not true. You can begin building your family history in just 15 minutes a week — even with a packed schedule. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and record what you find before it slips away. Over time, those little moments will add up to a family legacy that lasts for generations.
Here’s a simple week-by-week plan to get you started.
Week 1: Call a Relative and Capture One Memory
Pick up the phone and call a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle. Ask them one simple question like:
“What was your favorite subject in school?”
“What do you remember about your first job?”
“Who influenced you most growing up?”
It doesn’t need to be a long interview — just a few minutes. The important part is to write it down immediately in a safe place, like your Heirloom journal, so the memory doesn’t get lost.
Week 2: Find and Label One Photo
Photos tell stories that words often can’t. Take one old photo from an album or box, label the names of the people in it, and jot down the story behind the moment. Was it a family reunion? A wedding? A simple day at the park?
Documenting photos in Heirloom makes them more than just images — it turns them into preserved memories.
Week 3: Look Up a Single Census Record
Online databases like FamilySearch.org or Ancestry.com make it easy to access census records. Choose just one ancestor to look up. In 15 minutes, you can find valuable details such as addresses, occupations, or household members.
Add those details to your notes or directly into Heirloom’s Family Records section, where you can connect the facts with the family stories.
Week 4: Organize One Folder or Binder
Instead of letting papers pile up, take 15 minutes to start one dedicated genealogy folder (digital or paper). Even if you only tuck in a birth certificate or one letter, it sets the stage for better organization later.
When paired with writing in Heirloom, this simple system keeps your research both tidy and meaningful.
Week 5: Write Down Your Own Childhood Memory
Genealogy isn’t only about the past — your own story matters, too. Write down one memory from your childhood: your favorite holiday, a funny family tradition, or what your school days looked like.
Future generations will treasure these everyday details just as much as historic records. Your voice belongs in the family story, and Heirloom makes sure it’s preserved alongside the lives of your ancestors.
Why This Works
By carving out just 15 minutes each week, you avoid overwhelm and build momentum. In a month or two, you’ll already have:
Several personal and family stories recorded
At least one historical record discovered
Photos labeled and explained
A system for organizing papers
The secret isn’t perfection — it’s consistency. Each short session is a building block for your family legacy.
Final Thought
You don’t need endless free time to honor your family’s history. With a notebook, a photo box, and your Heirloom journal, you can create something lasting in just minutes a week. Start small today — your future family will thank you.