By Louise St. Denis
1. A few don’ts… Don’t create problems for yourself by making the same mistakes others have done before you. Constantly seek out information about your new hobby. You’ll save lots of time along the way if you know what to do and more importantly, what not to do…
2. Don’t worry about how far you can get, too many factors are involved. Everyone’s research is the same, but our backgrounds have different twists and turns. Some factors will deal with your own family’s history, other factors will deal with world events. Your persistence, your luck and the amount of time you can give your new hobby will all determine how far back you can go. If a sufficient amount of information has survived through the years, then your chances of filling in all the family branches are greater.
3. Don’t make any assumptions unless you can back them up with facts. Confirm your facts using a second source of information. Family stories are often exaggerated or embellished. The social standing of a family is often improved upon. Be aware of stories about Royal or Noble descent. Try to confirm all family stories with at least two sources.
4. You must always start from the known and find your way to the unknown. So begin by writing everything you know about yourself. This teaches you how to record information accurately and completely. Remember your descendants will use your information and you may not be around to explain your notes.
5. Decide who’s genealogy you want to complete. If you choose to research all your ancestors then your charts will start with yourself. But if you want to find just your father’s side of the family, you will want to start with your father as the main person.
6. Build a miniature tree. Take a large piece of paper (the back of an old poster is great) and write down all the names of family members you know. At the top write your name, to the right add your brothers & sisters since their family tree is the same as yours. To the left write down your spouse and children’s names.
On the next line, write down the name of your father and your mother. Next to these names indicate their brothers and sisters and their families (your aunts, uncles and cousins). Lower on the page, continue with the next generation, add your paternal and maternal grandparents, their children and families. If you know your great-grandparents list this fourth generation lower on your miniature family tree.
This miniature tree is not fancy or artistic. It is completed to help you visualize where everybody fits in. Just add names; the factual information should be recorded in your genealogical diary.
7. Set up a filing system. You’ll be accumulating lots of documents and papers of all kinds. There are no rules to setting up a filing system, except that it must enable you to find what you want quickly and efficiently. Organize your files to enable you to track what you want.
8. Seek out family members, young and old, as well as family friends to get as much information as you can. Ask lots of questions, get answers to the Who, What, Where, When and Why of your family. Look through photo albums, the family Bible and all personal and vital records found in your family homes. Find as many clues as possible before you go searching in the outside world.
9. There are many outside sources available to help you conduct your research. You must be aware of what each has available in your area of research. Joining a genealogical society early on in your project will help you direct your efforts in the right direction. Make a point of writing to or visiting these different resources to see what’s available: Public Archives, Public Libraries, Genealogical and Historical Associations, Private Libraries and Associations, Family History Center of the LDS Church, Churches and Cemeteries
10. Finally, enjoy your new hobby, write a family history or produce a family video; hold a family reunion. Share your information with your new and extended family…
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