It begins with a How to Start section outlining a unique seven-step system for gathering facts essential for any genealogical project: interviewing family members, contacting relatives, writing for death records, following up on death records, census searching, name searching, and Family History Library Searching—the building blocks of genealogical research.

A Where to Find More section follows, giving information on Statewide Vital Records, National Archives and Records Administration, Regional Records Centers of the National Archives, a comprehensive listing of Genealogy Resource Centers in the States, Social Security Form SS-5 info., Microfilm rental info.; a listing of Research Firms, Book publishers, Genealogy Magazine, and important reference books.

At the back of the book are Master Forms used to keep track of the information gathered, including a Family Group Sheet, a Pedigree Chart, and a Family Data Sheet, all designed for making photocopies as needed.