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A Guide to Research: Difference between revisions
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== Purpose of the Guide<br> == | == Purpose of the Guide<br> == | ||
The purpose of this guide is to help you discover your ancestry using the records available in the Family History Library, the | The purpose of this guide is to help you discover your ancestry using the records available in the Family History Library, the FamilySearch Center, or one of the more than two thousand family history centers located throughout the world. | ||
== Family History Library and Related Services == | == Family History Library and Related Services == | ||
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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 pedigree chart provides space to record information on four generations: yourself, your parents, your grandparents, and your great-grandparents. | ||
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*Where was he born? or married? | *Where was he born? or married? | ||
*Where or when did he die? | *Where or when did he die? | ||
*Who were his parents? | *Who were his parents? | ||
Select one question as your [[ | Select one question as your [[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 === | ||
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The Family History Library and family history centers have the following basic categories of records. | The Family History Library and family history centers have the following basic categories of records. | ||
==== Compiled Records ==== | ===== Compiled Records ===== | ||
These are records of previous research on individuals and families already done by others, such as family histories, biographies, or genealogies with pedigree charts and family group records. Though compiled records are very helpful, some information may be inaccurate or incomplete. The information is submitted by library patrons and is not verified by the Family History Library. Always carefully evaluate the information you find. | *These are records of previous research on individuals and families already done by others, such as family histories, biographies, or genealogies with pedigree charts and family group records. Though [[Choose a Record Type|compiled records]] are very helpful, some information may be inaccurate or incomplete. The information is submitted by library patrons and is not verified by the Family History Library. Always carefully evaluate the information you find. | ||
==== Original Records ==== | ===== Original Records ===== | ||
These are records created at the time of important events in your ancestors' lives. For example, a local church or the local government may have recorded your ancestors' births, christenings, marriages, and burials. | *These are records created at the time of important events in your ancestors' lives. For example, a local church or the local government may have recorded your ancestors' births, christenings, marriages, and burials. | ||
==== Background Information ==== | ===== Background Information ===== | ||
These are records dealing with geographical, historical, or cultural information. They include local histories, maps, gazetteers, language dictionaries, and guidebooks. Search these records to learn more about the area where your ancestors lived and the events that may have affected their lives and the records about them. | *These are records dealing with geographical, historical, or cultural information. They include local histories, maps, gazetteers, language dictionaries, and guidebooks. Search these records to learn more about the area where your ancestors lived and the events that may have affected their lives and the records about them. | ||
==== Finding Aids ==== | ==== Finding Aids ==== | ||
These | *These help you find the location of records; name indexes; library catalogs; or Web sites. | ||
=== Compiled Records === | === Compiled Records === | ||
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It is best to search compiled records first. You can save a lot of time by seeing what information others have already found about your family. Compiled records can usually be searched quickly and easily. The following compiled records are available at the Family History Library or family history centers. | It is best to search compiled records first. You can save a lot of time by seeing what information others have already found about your family. Compiled records can usually be searched quickly and easily. The following compiled records are available at the Family History Library or family history centers. | ||
==== Ancestral File ==== | ===== Ancestral File ===== | ||
Ancestral File is a collection of pedigree and family group records submitted by people throughout the world. It is available on computer as part of FamilySearch™. It contains millions of names, and new names are added each year. Using Ancestral File, you can see an ancestor's pedigree, his family (both as a child and as a parent), his descendants, and the names and addresses of the people who submitted the information. You can make corrections to any errors you find in the file. | Ancestral File is a collection of pedigree and family group records submitted by people throughout the world. It is available on computer as part of FamilySearch™. It contains millions of names, and new names are added each year. Using Ancestral File, you can see an ancestor's pedigree, his family (both as a child and as a parent), his descendants, and the names and addresses of the people who submitted the information. You can make corrections to any errors you find in the file. | ||
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[[Category:Beginners]] [[Category:Research_Process]] | [[Category:Beginners]] [[Category:Research_Process]] | ||
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