Identify What You Know: Difference between revisions

'''Step 1: Identify What You Know.'''  

== Computer Programs for Generating Forms  ==

== Family Group Record  ==

[[Image:Family Group Record blank side 1.png|thumb|Blank family group record]][http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/RG/images/31827_FamGrpRe.pdf Family group records] are forms with space to record information about the parents and children in one family. Good family group records show names, dates and places of births, marriages, and deaths (see the example to the right). You can enhance their value by citing the sources that document these events in the lives of family members. If you use computers to generate family group records, you also can easily display additional events such as censuses, change of residence, land purchases or sales, wills proved, and any other events in the family members' lives. The most useful family group records display as many events and sources as possible. The family group record can now be downloaded from the Wiki: [[Image:FamGrpRecord.pdf]]  

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Create a family group record for each couple on your pedigree chart. A four-generation pedigree chart has eight couples, so you would make up to eight family group records for such a pedigree.  

== Pedigree Chart  ==

== Prepare a Research Log  ==

[[Image:Log17.png|thumb|Filled-in homemade research log.]]A [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/RG/images/31825_ResLog.pdf research log] (or calendar of searches) is a list of the source you searched, or plan to search for each objective, ancestor or family. It includes notes about what you found (and didn’t find). Most logs are kept in the order that records are selected or searches are made.  

A research log is crucial to successful research. It will help you:  

*The place where the person you are searching lived

== Personal and Family History Notes  ==

=== Types of Genealogical Information  ===

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'''''Vital event information''''' can uniquely identify a person as distinct from any other person. It is generally compiled on family group records and pedigree charts. It includes—  

*Names. The complete name, including given or first names and the last or surname for—<br>

*Gender.

*Dates and places of—<br>

*Relationships (to spouse, children and parents)

*Cause of death

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*A&nbsp;valuable estate that the descendants are entitled to have

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Many families have kept objects that may provide important clues for further research on an ancestor. You may want to write a brief description explaining (1) what each item reveals about the family and (2) where the item is located. Look for items such as:  

*Clothing, uniforms<br>

Keep a record of contacts with family members on your research log. This will help you avoid duplicating your work and can help in following up later. Write out notes about interviews, meetings, and reunions. Make paper copies of e-mails and keep copies of letters sent or received. Cite these notes, printouts, and copies on your research log.  

Akeret, Robert U. ''Family Tales, Family Wisdom.'' New York: Henry Holt, 1992. (not at FHL)  

Fletcher, William. ''Recording Your Family History.'' New York: Dodd, Mead, 1986. (FHL book 973 D27fL)  

*Don't send form letters.  

== '''Requesting Additional Information from Your Family'''  ==

Family members who were reluctant to share information earlier may have changed their minds, or may be intrigued by the information you have found. Your information may convince them of your seriousness, and they may pay more attention to your requests.  

= '''Gather Low-Hanging-Fruit Sources'''  =

=== '''Online databases.'''  ===

=== '''Family histories.'''  ===

=== '''County, town, and village histories.'''  ===

*'''''Family History Library Catalog [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=localitysearch&columns=*,0,0 Place Search].''''' Search with the county, town, or village in the first field. Put the nation or state in the second field. In the "Place search results" click the appropriate place. If any of the entries for that place are for the topic '''History''', click it to see the details.  

After you recall and gather family information, review each document, record, letter, your interview notes, and other sources. Copy the information from these sources onto your family group record. [[Adding a Custom Event to a PAF Family Group Record|Add custom events]] to the family group record for events such as religious confirmations, school, military service, land purchases, fraternal organizations, and wills written. [[Cite Your Sources (Source Footnotes)|Cite each source]] that documents an event listed on your family group record.  

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Individuals on your pedigree are in at least two families: (1) as a child, and (2) as a parent. Log information and file documents prior to marriage with the father’s file. Log information and file documents starting with marriage in the husband’s file.