Genealogy 101 workshop: "Who ARE You, Anyway?"
RESEARCH TECHNIQUES
Guidelines and tips on how to conduct accurate and efficient research.
1. Sharpen your pencil, get some file folders, and...GO!
After you locate potential sources, start looking for the answers. Analyze each piece of information you find to determine if it contains "evidence" to help you answer your research question. Keep track of everywhere you go and everything you look at (including the title, author, call number, and location of the material) using a research log and note-taking forms. You should also set up a filing system where you will diligently store paper copies of documents you find.
2. Record and organize new information.
Add the information you have found to your own records, including the source of the information you identified. The key here is to write it all down in an organized and consistent manner, using whatever method makes sense to you. A variety of charts and forms are available for you to use as you go. In addition, software programs and websites can help you track and organize your genealogical information.
3. Document (verb), document, document.
Proper source citation ("evidence documentation") of every piece of information you find is an absolute MUST. Not only will citing your sources properly help you locate the information again another time, it will leave a trail for others to follow. Guides for proper citation format are available online, as well as in the genealogical industry standard: Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace (Baltimore, 2007)
4. Are we done yet?
Once you have completed the research steps, it's time to Get the Story and answer your research question. [We will discuss this topic more on Workshop Day.]
But are you really done? Even if all goes according to plan...you will probably come up with additional questions or identify more missing pieces of information. Then you get to start the research process all over again, by locating and identifying sources that might help you answer your next set of questions. That is the fun part of genealogy...it always gives you new twists and turns to figure out!
But are you really done? Even if all goes according to plan...you will probably come up with additional questions or identify more missing pieces of information. Then you get to start the research process all over again, by locating and identifying sources that might help you answer your next set of questions. That is the fun part of genealogy...it always gives you new twists and turns to figure out!
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
When working on your genealogy, here are some tips and good practices to keep in mind:
Start with the known.
Begin with yourself, getting your birth certificate and other records. Then get the records of your parents, and so on, backwards by generation. Most "vital record" documents you locate will provide the clues for the previous generation, so working in this order makes the most sense to find correct "evidence" for each ancestor.
Write everything down.
You can summarize what you find ("abstract") or copy every word in the source as it is written ("transcribe"). Proper citation of each document or source you use is also very important, particularly if you or a family member need to go back to find the source at a later time. If possible, get a photocopy or digital image of the original work you look at so that you are certain not to miss a thing. Include a full citation with each document or [in pencil] on the back of a photograph before filing it away.
Write dates in a standardized format.
Write dates as "23 Feb 1890". This will leave no question as to year, month, and day of any event.
Always use a pencil.
When writing in your notebook, or filling out a pedigree chart or family group sheet, use a pencil. This will let you to make changes and corrections as you find new information. And you will, trust me.
Keep it all organized.
Start with a notebook, binder, or filing cabinet. Whatever your choice, you'll definitely want to have one organized place where you keep all of your information. This will keep documents and papers off your desk (they pile up amazingly fast) and keep information easily and quickly found for another time. One file folder or notebook tab for each ancestor or each place visited is a good start.
Keep a research log.
You can use a blank form, computer program, or a notebook, but it's important to list every resource you check and the information you did [and did not] find. This will keep you from doing the same thing twice and will provide a road map of where you've been.
Start with the known.
Begin with yourself, getting your birth certificate and other records. Then get the records of your parents, and so on, backwards by generation. Most "vital record" documents you locate will provide the clues for the previous generation, so working in this order makes the most sense to find correct "evidence" for each ancestor.
Write everything down.
You can summarize what you find ("abstract") or copy every word in the source as it is written ("transcribe"). Proper citation of each document or source you use is also very important, particularly if you or a family member need to go back to find the source at a later time. If possible, get a photocopy or digital image of the original work you look at so that you are certain not to miss a thing. Include a full citation with each document or [in pencil] on the back of a photograph before filing it away.
Write dates in a standardized format.
Write dates as "23 Feb 1890". This will leave no question as to year, month, and day of any event.
Always use a pencil.
When writing in your notebook, or filling out a pedigree chart or family group sheet, use a pencil. This will let you to make changes and corrections as you find new information. And you will, trust me.
Keep it all organized.
Start with a notebook, binder, or filing cabinet. Whatever your choice, you'll definitely want to have one organized place where you keep all of your information. This will keep documents and papers off your desk (they pile up amazingly fast) and keep information easily and quickly found for another time. One file folder or notebook tab for each ancestor or each place visited is a good start.
Keep a research log.
You can use a blank form, computer program, or a notebook, but it's important to list every resource you check and the information you did [and did not] find. This will keep you from doing the same thing twice and will provide a road map of where you've been.