Four generations ago, David Walker's (CWR '00) family name was Wesolowski. While Walker is certainly easier to spell, it's also among the 30 most common surnames in the United States.

"Genealogy work is like detective work. There are definitely more dead ends with common names," says Walker, whose hobby developed during an internship at the Western Reserve Historical Society.

Here's how to get started (for free!): / It sounds obvious, but talk to your family. Record an interview. Ask for help identifying people in family photos. /

/ Heritagequestonline.com can be accessed for free through a growing list of public libraries. (You will need a valid library card to sign in.) /

/ Search for family names in Google Books. (Everything beyond copyright is fair game and searchable.) /

/ Visit city hall or the county clerk of courts to look at birth, marriage and death certificates, as well as public health records. /