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A Guide to Research: Difference between revisions
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== Why Family History? == | == Why Family History? == | ||
Why do members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do family history research? They | Why do members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do family history research? They love their families on earth and believe that families can be together forever.<br> | ||
== Purpose of the Guide<br> == | == Purpose of the Guide<br> == | ||
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== Family History Library and Related Services == | == Family History Library and Related Services == | ||
=== Family History Library === | ==== Family History Library ==== | ||
Since it was established in 1894, the Family History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has become the largest of its kind in the world. The library has collected millions of microfilms, thousands of microfiche and books, and many other records. Most of the microfilms have been acquired through an extensive microfilming program that began in 1938. Microfilmers are presently filming original documents in churches, courthouses, and other archives in many countries. The originals of these microfilms are preserved in a vault in the mountains near Salt Lake City. The library is located at 35 North West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. The telephone number is 1-866-406-1830; Email address fhl@familysearch.org.<br> | Since it was established in 1894, the Family History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has become the largest of its kind in the world. The library has collected millions of microfilms, thousands of microfiche and books, and many other records. Most of the microfilms have been acquired through an extensive microfilming program that began in 1938. Microfilmers are presently filming original documents in churches, courthouses, and other archives in many countries. The originals of these microfilms are preserved in a vault in the mountains near Salt Lake City. The library is located at 35 North West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. The telephone number is 1-866-406-1830; Email address fhl@familysearch.org.<br> | ||
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[[Introduction to LDS Family History Centers|Family history centers]] are located throughout the world. Each has a basic collection of records and research publications to assist researchers. Each center has computers with Internet access. Most records available on microfilm or microfiche at the Family History Library may be ordered for use at the centers.<br> | [[Introduction to LDS Family History Centers|Family history centers]] are located throughout the world. Each has a basic collection of records and research publications to assist researchers. Each center has computers with Internet access. Most records available on microfilm or microfiche at the Family History Library may be ordered for use at the centers.<br> | ||
=== Services and Resources === | ==== Services and Resources ==== | ||
Workers in the Library and family history center can help you learn how to use the records. They can't do research for you, but can help you use the library's catalog to locate records or Web sites, to do your own research. | Workers in the Library and family history center can help you learn how to use the records. They can't do research for you, but can help you use the library's catalog to locate records or Web sites, to do your own research. | ||
=== FamilySearch Center === | ==== FamilySearch Center ==== | ||
The FamilySearch Center is designed to introduce individuals unacquainted with family history to experience the excitement of discovering their ancestors. The center, located in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building at 15 East South Temple Street in Salt Lake City, has access to the Internet.<br> | The FamilySearch Center is designed to introduce individuals unacquainted with family history to experience the excitement of discovering their ancestors. The center, located in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building at 15 East South Temple Street in Salt Lake City, has access to the Internet.<br> | ||
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== Research Process == | == Research Process == | ||
Family History research involves five basic steps. Each step is explained below. Staff members in the Family History | Family History research involves five basic steps. Each step is explained below. Staff members in the Family History Library or family history centers will be glad to help you complete these steps. A Research Overview is available as a [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/education/frameset_education.asp?PAGE=education_research_series_online.asp%3FActiveTab=2 video presentation] to introduce you to the research process. | ||
[[Image:Research Guide1.jpg|Research Guide1]] | [[Image:Research Guide1.jpg|Research Guide1]] | ||
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=== Fill Out a Pedigree Chart and Family Group Record === | === Fill Out a Pedigree Chart and Family Group Record === | ||
Recall as much information as you can about yourself and your family members. Record what you know on [ | Recall as much information as you can about yourself and your family members. Record what you know on [Use_Appropriate_Forms|pedigree charts and family group sheets]. Estimate dates and places if necessary. | ||
* | *A pedigree chart provides space to record information on four generations: yourself, your parents, your grandparents, and your great-grandparents. | ||
*A family group record provides space to record information about the parents and children of a family. You can also record the source of your information. Fill out a family group record for each couple on your pedigree chart.<br> | |||
A pedigree chart provides space to record information on four generations: yourself, your parents, your grandparents, and your great-grandparents. | |||
A family group record provides space to record information about the parents and children of a family. You can also record the source of your information. Fill out a family group record for each couple on your pedigree chart. | |||
=== Gather Additional Information === | === Gather Additional Information === | ||
If you need more information, | If you need more information, gather information from sources in your home or from a relative. Look for copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates; journals; scrapbooks; old letters; family Bibles; photographs; school records; military records; obituaries; deeds; and wills. Record on your pedigree chart and family group sheet any new information you find. | ||
You may want to keep notes about your family history on a separate sheet of paper. These notes could be biographical information such as military service; education; social or economic status; migrations; participation in community, social, religious, or historical events; or physical descriptions. | You may want to keep notes about your family history on a separate sheet of paper. These notes could be biographical information such as military service; education; social or economic status; migrations; participation in community, social, religious, or historical events; or physical descriptions. | ||
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To select an ancestor, look at the entries on your pedigree chart that have one of the following problems: | To select an ancestor, look at the entries on your pedigree chart that have one of the following problems: | ||
'''Missing information:''' names, dates, or places are missing. | *'''Missing information:''' names, dates, or places are missing. | ||
*'''Incomplete information:''' part of a name, date, or place is missing. | |||
'''Incomplete information:''' part of a name, date, or place is missing. | *'''Unverified information:''' information cannot be traced to a credible source (that is, someone who would have known the information first hand). | ||
*'''Conflicting information:''' information from two sources does not agree. | |||
'''Unverified information:''' information cannot be traced to a credible source (that is, someone who would have known the information first hand). | |||
'''Conflicting information:''' information from two sources does not agree. | |||
=== Select a Research Question === | === Select a Research Question === | ||
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*Who were his parents? | *Who were his parents? | ||
Select one question as your research objective. By focusing on one question at a time, you increase your chances for success. | Select one question as your [[/en/Family_Group_Record_Analysis:_How_to_Guess_Where_to_Start|research objective]]. By focusing on one question at a time, you increase your chances for success. | ||
=== Prepare a Research Log === | === Prepare a Research Log === | ||
Use a [[Research Logs|research log]] to keep track of the records you want to search and the information you found. At the top of the log, write the name of the ancestor you selected, your research objective, and when and where he may have lived. | |||
== 3. Select Records to Search == | == 3. Select Records to Search == | ||
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*[[Principles of Family History Research|Principles of Family History Research]] | *[[Principles of Family History Research|Principles of Family History Research]] | ||
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[[Category:Beginners]] [[Category:Research_Process]] | [[Category:Beginners]] [[Category:Research_Process]] | ||