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You will also be ready to start the process again and return to Step 1 to research another objective or individual. | You will also be ready to start the process again and return to Step 1 to research another objective or individual. | ||
= | =Evaluate the Evidence= | ||
Having found one or more records about a person, it is time to evaluate what you found and determine how helpful and reliable it is. For example, a birth date from a birth record is probably more accurate than a birth date derived from a census record. | Having found one or more records about a person, it is time to evaluate what you found and determine how helpful and reliable it is. For example, a birth date from a birth record is probably more accurate than a birth date derived from a census record. | ||
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The records you have found provide evidence relative to your objective. ''Evidence'' is information or facts about an event or a situation. The researcher must evaluate if the evidence is valid for meeting the research objective and therefore producing some level of proof. You will want to consider all relevant evidence, but remember that all evidence is not equal. | The records you have found provide evidence relative to your objective. ''Evidence'' is information or facts about an event or a situation. The researcher must evaluate if the evidence is valid for meeting the research objective and therefore producing some level of proof. You will want to consider all relevant evidence, but remember that all evidence is not equal. | ||
The process of genealogical research seeks ''information'' (facts about events) to answer ''questions'' (research objectives) about people. The records we search are the source of the information we seek; therefore you must evaluate both the information you found ''and'' the record(s) you found it in. When considering the ''record'', evaluate its— | The process of genealogical research seeks ''information'' (facts about events) to answer ''questions'' (research objectives) about people. The records we search are the source of the information we seek; therefore you must evaluate both the information you found ''and'' the record(s) you found it in. When considering the ''record'', evaluate its— | ||
*''relevance'' | |||
*''relevance'' | *''category'' | ||
*''category'' | |||
*''format'' | *''format'' | ||
When considering the ''information'', compare it with what you have found in other sources and evaluate the— | When considering the ''information'', compare it with what you have found in other sources and evaluate the— | ||
*''origin'' of the information | *''origin'' of the information | ||
*''facts'' given in the records | *''facts'' given in the records | ||
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Evaluating all of these elements together will help you determine what level of proof you have found, and if more research is needed. The [[Genealogical Proof Standard|Genealogical Proof Standard]] shows how to evaluate and use all the evidence to create a credible proof statement. | Evaluating all of these elements together will help you determine what level of proof you have found, and if more research is needed. The [[Genealogical Proof Standard|Genealogical Proof Standard]] shows how to evaluate and use all the evidence to create a credible proof statement. | ||
== | ==Relevance of the Record== | ||
The first evaluation to make is whether the record pertains to the person or family being searched. For example, the christening record of a person with the right name about the right time may not be the person you are seeking. Be especially careful when dealing with common names in densely populated areas. Review other records of the locality to determine how common the name may have been in that place. | The first evaluation to make is whether the record pertains to the person or family being searched. For example, the christening record of a person with the right name about the right time may not be the person you are seeking. Be especially careful when dealing with common names in densely populated areas. Review other records of the locality to determine how common the name may have been in that place. | ||
== | ==Category of the Record== | ||
Each category of records has to be evaluated differently. Some tend to be more accurate than others. | Each category of records has to be evaluated differently. Some tend to be more accurate than others. | ||
*'''''Original records''''' tend to be more accurate than compiled records. They were written close in time to the events they record. However, on occasion the recorder may have made a mistake. Infrequently an original record is deliberately falsified, such as "back dating" a marriage to account for the early birth of the first child. Even a source recorded close to the time of the event may have errors. | *'''''Original records''''' tend to be more accurate than compiled records. They were written close in time to the events they record. However, on occasion the recorder may have made a mistake. Infrequently an original record is deliberately falsified, such as "back dating" a marriage to account for the early birth of the first child. Even a source recorded close to the time of the event may have errors. | ||
*'''''Compiled records''''' tend to be easier to use and contain more information. However, they represent a gathering and interpretation of information from one or more other sources. The author may not have had enough information to adequately interpret the other sources. On the other hand, the compiler may have known of errors in the other sources and corrected or explained them in the compilation.<br> | *'''''Compiled records''''' tend to be easier to use and contain more information. However, they represent a gathering and interpretation of information from one or more other sources. The author may not have had enough information to adequately interpret the other sources. On the other hand, the compiler may have known of errors in the other sources and corrected or explained them in the compilation.<br> | ||
*'''''Finding aids''''' sometimes contain mistakes which can mislead the researcher, such as wrong page numbers in an index. | *'''''Finding aids''''' sometimes contain mistakes which can mislead the researcher, such as wrong page numbers in an index. | ||
*'''''Background information''''' is sometimes misinterpreted or applied incorrectly to individual cases. For example, just because most immigrants joined friends or relatives in their new country does not mean your ancestor had relatives when he arrived in his new country. | *'''''Background information''''' is sometimes misinterpreted or applied incorrectly to individual cases. For example, just because most immigrants joined friends or relatives in their new country does not mean your ancestor had relatives when he arrived in his new country. | ||
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" style="width: 494px; height: 41px;" | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" style="width: 494px; height: 41px;" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| bgcolor="#ffff99" align="center" | | | bgcolor="#ffff99" align="center" | | ||
'''Even a source recorded close to the time of the event may have errors.''' | '''Even a source recorded close to the time of the event may have errors.''' | ||
|} | |} | ||
== | ==Format of the Record== | ||
Photographic copies, including microfilm, microfiche, digital, and photocopies are virtually as good as the actual document, although they may sometimes be hard to read. Be on watch for deliberate alterations. Any errors would be the fault of the person who made the record. | Photographic copies, including microfilm, microfiche, digital, and photocopies are virtually as good as the actual document, although they may sometimes be hard to read. Be on watch for deliberate alterations. Any errors would be the fault of the person who made the record. | ||
Copy error may be introduced in the document was transcribed, extracted, or abstracted. If such copies are printed or published, the researcher must also consider possible typographical errors. Generally the further removed the copy is from the actual document, the more errors are likely to have accumulated. See "[[Obtain and Search the Records#Formats of Records|Formats of Records]]." | Copy error may be introduced in the document was transcribed, extracted, or abstracted. If such copies are printed or published, the researcher must also consider possible typographical errors. Generally the further removed the copy is from the actual document, the more errors are likely to have accumulated. See "[[Obtain and Search the Records#Formats of Records|Formats of Records]]." | ||
==Nature of the Information== | |||
A key to interpreting information is determining how close in time it was recorded to the event it describes. ''Information'' is the statement(s) of fact(s) in a record, not the record itself. It is either primary or secondary. | A key to interpreting information is determining how close in time it was recorded to the event it describes. ''Information'' is the statement(s) of fact(s) in a record, not the record itself. It is either primary or secondary. | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| bgcolor="#ffff99" align="center" | '''Prefer primary information.''' | | bgcolor="#ffff99" align="center" | '''Prefer primary information.''' | ||
|} | |} | ||
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*''Origin''. Determine where the information originated. Was the information recorded before you began your search, before any controversy, or before it could be influenced by other information you have found? | *''Origin''. Determine where the information originated. Was the information recorded before you began your search, before any controversy, or before it could be influenced by other information you have found? | ||
== | ==Directness of the Evidence== | ||
The information in a record is contained in a statement that provides either direct or indirect evidence regarding your research objective. | The information in a record is contained in a statement that provides either direct or indirect evidence regarding your research objective. | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| bgcolor="#ffff99" align="center" | '''Prefer direct evidence.''' | | bgcolor="#ffff99" align="center" | '''Prefer direct evidence.''' | ||
|} | |} | ||
'''''Indirect statements''''' support a fact by reasonable inference. For example, if a census record lists a person's age as 45 in 1851, it infers a birth in or near 1806. Often you may need to gather more substantial information. For example, a marriage record is evidence a couple was born, but unless it gives the age of the bride or groom, you can only guess at their birth dates. The couple may have been born 16 or 60 years earlier. Indirect (often called circumstantial) evidence usually requires additional evidence to prove a fact. | '''''Indirect statements''''' support a fact by reasonable inference. For example, if a census record lists a person's age as 45 in 1851, it infers a birth in or near 1806. Often you may need to gather more substantial information. For example, a marriage record is evidence a couple was born, but unless it gives the age of the bride or groom, you can only guess at their birth dates. The couple may have been born 16 or 60 years earlier. Indirect (often called circumstantial) evidence usually requires additional evidence to prove a fact. | ||
== | ==Consistency and Clarity of the Facts== | ||
As you evaluate the information in the records you found, you must determine how well the facts were recorded. Learn, by comparing the information with other information you have, if the facts are consistent with other facts. Also evaluate if they were clearly recorded. Leaving no ambiguity of meaning and if they suggest other sources to search. | As you evaluate the information in the records you found, you must determine how well the facts were recorded. Learn, by comparing the information with other information you have, if the facts are consistent with other facts. Also evaluate if they were clearly recorded. Leaving no ambiguity of meaning and if they suggest other sources to search. | ||
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'''''Relationships.''''' Does the document state relationships directly, or only suggest them? For example, some census records give the relationship of persons to the head of the household, while others only list all persons living in the home. Relationships may be inferred, but this leaves room for false assumptions. Relationship terms in past years often had different meanings from today, for example, in the 1800s, the father-in-law also meant step-father. | '''''Relationships.''''' Does the document state relationships directly, or only suggest them? For example, some census records give the relationship of persons to the head of the household, while others only list all persons living in the home. Relationships may be inferred, but this leaves room for false assumptions. Relationship terms in past years often had different meanings from today, for example, in the 1800s, the father-in-law also meant step-father. | ||
== | ==Likelihood of Events== | ||
Even if the events were clearly recorded, you must also determine if the events described in the records really could have happened. Some events, such as joining the military at the age of ten or twelve, being born on the father's birthday, have a probable inventory show a considerably larger estate for a person than recent tax lists or census records indicated, are less credible than others. Such events are possible, but unlikely. | Even if the events were clearly recorded, you must also determine if the events described in the records really could have happened. Some events, such as joining the military at the age of ten or twelve, being born on the father's birthday, have a probable inventory show a considerably larger estate for a person than recent tax lists or census records indicated, are less credible than others. Such events are possible, but unlikely. | ||
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If the records present an unlikely situation, you may have stumbled across records of two unrelated people with similar names. Evaluate the chronology of the situation: could this event have happened as the record says it did? If a man's will was proven on 28 November 1754 and his death record gives a death date of 15 December of the same year, on of the records is wrong, or dies not pertain to the same person. | If the records present an unlikely situation, you may have stumbled across records of two unrelated people with similar names. Evaluate the chronology of the situation: could this event have happened as the record says it did? If a man's will was proven on 28 November 1754 and his death record gives a death date of 15 December of the same year, on of the records is wrong, or dies not pertain to the same person. | ||
== | ==Establishing Proof== | ||
Each record and each piece of evidence in a record can be evaluated individually, but ''proof'' is the accumulation of acceptable evidence. Absolute proof is seldom possible, but a sufficient degree of "genealogical proof" should be the goal of each researcher. To genealogically prove a fact, you must find decisive evidence that confirms one view and excludes other reasonable possibilities. You are responsible for determining if the accumulated evidence provides "clear and convincing" proof of a genealogical fact. | Each record and each piece of evidence in a record can be evaluated individually, but ''proof'' is the accumulation of acceptable evidence. Absolute proof is seldom possible, but a sufficient degree of "genealogical proof" should be the goal of each researcher. To genealogically prove a fact, you must find decisive evidence that confirms one view and excludes other reasonable possibilities. You are responsible for determining if the accumulated evidence provides "clear and convincing" proof of a genealogical fact. | ||
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Usually you will want to accept an original record with primary information that provides direct evidence. However, when such a source is not available, or cannot be believed (lacks credibility) because it contradicts other known facts, seek other sources and evaluate them for accuracy. | Usually you will want to accept an original record with primary information that provides direct evidence. However, when such a source is not available, or cannot be believed (lacks credibility) because it contradicts other known facts, seek other sources and evaluate them for accuracy. | ||
=== | ===Clear and convincing evidence=== | ||
Clear and convincing evidence means that the accumulated evidence in favor of a point is so strong that any reasonable person would also make the same conclusions. Sometimes it is not possible to find acceptable records that provide direct evidence. Sometimes the records needed to directly prove a point were not kept or preserved. In such cases, researchers try to accumulate enough evidence from other sources that they can make a statement that is "clear and convincing." Any contradictions should be resolved before connections based on that evidence are accepted. | Clear and convincing evidence means that the accumulated evidence in favor of a point is so strong that any reasonable person would also make the same conclusions. Sometimes it is not possible to find acceptable records that provide direct evidence. Sometimes the records needed to directly prove a point were not kept or preserved. In such cases, researchers try to accumulate enough evidence from other sources that they can make a statement that is "clear and convincing." Any contradictions should be resolved before connections based on that evidence are accepted. | ||
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If the information you need to meet your objective is insufficient (see [[Decide What You Want to Learn#Insufficient Information|Insufficient Information]]) then you may want to— | If the information you need to meet your objective is insufficient (see [[Decide What You Want to Learn#Insufficient Information|Insufficient Information]]) then you may want to— | ||
*Look for more records of the same kind. | *Look for more records of the same kind. | ||
*Look for more records from the same record type group. | *Look for more records from the same record type group. | ||
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Mills, Elizabeth Shown. [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=1407003&disp=Evidence+explained%20%20&columns=*,0,0 ''Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace'']. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 2007. (FHL book 929.1 M625ee) | Mills, Elizabeth Shown. [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=1407003&disp=Evidence+explained%20%20&columns=*,0,0 ''Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace'']. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 2007. (FHL book 929.1 M625ee) | ||
=== | ===Genealogical Proof Standard=== | ||
Use the five elements of the [[Genealogical Proof Standard|Genealogical Proof Standard]] as a guide to help improve the quality of your research, evaluation of the evidence, and reasoning: | Use the five elements of the [[Genealogical Proof Standard|Genealogical Proof Standard]] as a guide to help improve the quality of your research, evaluation of the evidence, and reasoning: | ||
#A reasonably exhaustive search has been conducted. | |||
#A reasonably exhaustive search has been conducted. | #Each statement of fact has a complete and accurate source citation. | ||
#Each statement of fact has a complete and accurate source citation. | #The evidence is reliable, and has been skillfully correlated and interpreted. | ||
#The evidence is reliable, and has been skillfully correlated and interpreted. | #Any contradictory evidence has been resolved. | ||
#Any contradictory evidence has been resolved. | |||
#The conclusion has been soundly reasoned. | #The conclusion has been soundly reasoned. | ||
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Any proof statement is subject to re-evaluation when new evidence arises. | Any proof statement is subject to re-evaluation when new evidence arises. | ||
= | =Transfer the Information= | ||
When you find a new source, add the details of what you learn to the family group record. Update the names, dates, places, relationships, and source footnote information. There should be at least one source-footnote for every event on the family group record. In the source-footnote comment field add a brief preliminary evaluation of each source. | When you find a new source, add the details of what you learn to the family group record. Update the names, dates, places, relationships, and source footnote information. There should be at least one source-footnote for every event on the family group record. In the source-footnote comment field add a brief preliminary evaluation of each source. | ||
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'''''More than one event per source.''''' Some sources give information about several events. For example, many death certificates list information about the birth of the deceased. Add a separate footnote to the family group record for each event mentioned on a source. For example, cite the death certificate as the source for both birth and death information. The Personal Ancestral File’s '''Memorize Citation''' button makes it easy to copy a citation from one event to another. | '''''More than one event per source.''''' Some sources give information about several events. For example, many death certificates list information about the birth of the deceased. Add a separate footnote to the family group record for each event mentioned on a source. For example, cite the death certificate as the source for both birth and death information. The Personal Ancestral File’s '''Memorize Citation''' button makes it easy to copy a citation from one event to another. | ||
'''''[[Adding a Custom Event to a PAF Family Group Record|Add custom events]] to the family group record.''''' Family group records can and should list more than birth, marriage, and death events only. The more events and sources that are listed, the more clues you have to help guide your research to further records. For example, each census, military service, immigration, joining a religion, and having a will proved, all make excellent entries on a family group record. Be sure to cite the source of each. | '''''[[Adding a Custom Event to a PAF Family Group Record|Add custom events]] to the family group record.''''' Family group records can and should list more than birth, marriage, and death events only. The more events and sources that are listed, the more clues you have to help guide your research to further records. For example, each census, military service, immigration, joining a religion, and having a will proved, all make excellent entries on a family group record. Be sure to cite the source of each. | ||
The new information may correct earlier information, answer questions, or pose new questions. Where new information conflicts with what is already on the forms, try to determine which is correct. Use the principles from [[Use the Information#Evaluate the Evidence|Evaluate the Evidence]] to help. You may want to record both pieces of information until you can determine which, if either, is correct. | The new information may correct earlier information, answer questions, or pose new questions. Where new information conflicts with what is already on the forms, try to determine which is correct. Use the principles from [[Use the Information#Evaluate the Evidence|Evaluate the Evidence]] to help. You may want to record both pieces of information until you can determine which, if either, is correct. | ||
== | ==Cite Your Sources== | ||
Every time you add new information to your forms or database, [[Cite Your Sources (Source Footnotes)|cite the source of that information]]. You may record sources on the bottom or back of most family group record forms or on an attached sheet. If you are using a computer program, there is usually a field for recording source notes. | Every time you add new information to your forms or database, [[Cite Your Sources (Source Footnotes)|cite the source of that information]]. You may record sources on the bottom or back of most family group record forms or on an attached sheet. If you are using a computer program, there is usually a field for recording source notes. | ||
Citing your sources will— | Citing your sources will— | ||
*Help you and other researchers avoid duplicate searches later. | *Help you and other researchers avoid duplicate searches later. | ||
*Give other family researchers confidence in your research. | *Give other family researchers confidence in your research. | ||
*Enable other family researchers to check you sources for additional information. | *Enable other family researchers to check you sources for additional information. | ||
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" style="width: 297px; height: 54px;" | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" style="width: 297px; height: 54px;" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| bgcolor="#ffff99" align="center" | '''Provide enough information so anyone<br>could easily find the source later.''' | | bgcolor="#ffff99" align="center" | '''Provide enough information so anyone<br>could easily find the source later.''' | ||
|} | |} | ||
Without documenting sources, your information is unproven. As you cite a source, be sure anyone could (1) readily locate or identify the source later and (2) evaluate the validity of the source. You should usually include— | Without documenting sources, your information is unproven. As you cite a source, be sure anyone could (1) readily locate or identify the source later and (2) evaluate the validity of the source. You should usually include— | ||
*''Author’s Name'' or provider of information. | *''Author’s Name'' or provider of information. | ||
*''Title'' of the record or book. | *''Title'' of the record or book. | ||
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As you document your findings— | As you document your findings— | ||
*Be consistent in the format you use. | *Be consistent in the format you use. | ||
*Avoid unfamiliar abbreviations. | *Avoid unfamiliar abbreviations. | ||
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For more information on recording sources and footnote style guides see [[Cite Your Sources (Source Footnotes)|Cite Your Sources (Source Footnotes)]]. | For more information on recording sources and footnote style guides see [[Cite Your Sources (Source Footnotes)|Cite Your Sources (Source Footnotes)]]. | ||
= | =Organize New Records= | ||
File your newly acquired records and extracts (see [[Identify What You Know#Organize Your Records|Organize Your Records]]). Keep the materials organized so that anyone can find them later. You may want to keep ''copies'' of important extracts and documents with your working papers (pedigree charts, family group records, and research logs) in a loose-leaf notebook. | File your newly acquired records and extracts (see [[Identify What You Know#Organize Your Records|Organize Your Records]]). Keep the materials organized so that anyone can find them later. You may want to keep ''copies'' of important extracts and documents with your working papers (pedigree charts, family group records, and research logs) in a loose-leaf notebook. | ||
=== | ===Using a Computer for Genealogy=== | ||
{| width="720" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" | {| width="720" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" | ||
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|} | |} | ||
=Share the Information= | |||
= | |||
Researchers benefit greatly from the work of earlier researchers. Often several researchers are interested in the same ancestors. Because researchers rely so heavily on the findings of others, sharing information is the way to return the favor. | Researchers benefit greatly from the work of earlier researchers. Often several researchers are interested in the same ancestors. Because researchers rely so heavily on the findings of others, sharing information is the way to return the favor. | ||
[[Sharing: a good way to FIND ancestors|Sharing is also a great way to ''find'' ancestors]]. Sharing leads to collaboration between researchers. Cousins will begin to contact you asking for more information. Sometimes the questions they ask will result in work that leads to new information. Once in awhile they will donate the new information directly to you. | [[Sharing: a good way to FIND ancestors|Sharing is also a great way to ''find'' ancestors]]. Sharing leads to collaboration between researchers. Cousins will begin to contact you asking for more information. Sometimes the questions they ask will result in work that leads to new information. Once in awhile they will donate the new information directly to you. | ||
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" style="width: 296px; height: 43px;" | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" style="width: 296px; height: 43px;" | ||
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If you are using a computer program for your genealogical record keeping, be sure it supports GEDCOM (see [[Use the Information#Using a Computer for Genealogy|Using a Computer for Genealogy]]) so that you can share your information with others. | If you are using a computer program for your genealogical record keeping, be sure it supports GEDCOM (see [[Use the Information#Using a Computer for Genealogy|Using a Computer for Genealogy]]) so that you can share your information with others. | ||
== | ==Family== | ||
Share your newly discovered information with family members who provided information and with others who may be interested. A family reunion or family newsletter can be an excellent way to share information and help locate others who are interested in your family history. | Share your newly discovered information with family members who provided information and with others who may be interested. A family reunion or family newsletter can be an excellent way to share information and help locate others who are interested in your family history. | ||
== | ==Online Databases Like New FamilySearch== | ||
Another important way to share your findings is with large online genealogical databases. Some charge, others are free. For example: | Another important way to share your findings is with large online genealogical databases. Some charge, others are free. For example: | ||
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*'''''Contribute new information.''''' Again, now is not the best time, but the day will come when new data will be easier to submit. | *'''''Contribute new information.''''' Again, now is not the best time, but the day will come when new data will be easier to submit. | ||
== | ==Put Up a Genealogy Web Page== | ||
Sharing genealogy on your own Internet website is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to publish your findings. Genealogical record keeping software like ''Personal Ancestral File'' can help you generate the material for your genealogy Internet site. Then all you have to do is find a web server host. For suggestions on these and other details see [[Create a genealogy web page|Create a Genealogy Web Page]]. | Sharing genealogy on your own Internet website is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to publish your findings. Genealogical record keeping software like ''Personal Ancestral File'' can help you generate the material for your genealogy Internet site. Then all you have to do is find a web server host. For suggestions on these and other details see [[Create a genealogy web page|Create a Genealogy Web Page]]. | ||
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|} | |} | ||
==Write a Family History== | |||
== | |||
Your family's history can be a source of enjoyment and education for your family. [[Writing Your Family and Personal History|Writing your family history]] can be an effective way to evaluate, analyze, and organize your findings. | Your family's history can be a source of enjoyment and education for your family. [[Writing Your Family and Personal History|Writing your family history]] can be an effective way to evaluate, analyze, and organize your findings. | ||
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Barnes, Donald R. and Richard S. Lackey. [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=439020&disp=Write+it+right%20%20&columns=*,0,0 ''Write It Right: A Manual for Writing Family Histories and Genealogy'']. Ocala, Fla.: Lyon Press, 1983. (FHL book 929.1 B261b) | Barnes, Donald R. and Richard S. Lackey. [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=439020&disp=Write+it+right%20%20&columns=*,0,0 ''Write It Right: A Manual for Writing Family Histories and Genealogy'']. Ocala, Fla.: Lyon Press, 1983. (FHL book 929.1 B261b) | ||
== | ==Participate in a Family or Surname Association== | ||
Others may be searching for the same families you are researching or may have found information they wish to share. A family or surname association can be an excellent way to communicate with interested persons. Family associations often focus on the descendants of a specific person or couple while surname organizations are interested in all those sharing a specific surname. Such associations can also provide funding and support for further research. They often hold reunions or publish newsletters where information is readily shared. | Others may be searching for the same families you are researching or may have found information they wish to share. A family or surname association can be an excellent way to communicate with interested persons. Family associations often focus on the descendants of a specific person or couple while surname organizations are interested in all those sharing a specific surname. Such associations can also provide funding and support for further research. They often hold reunions or publish newsletters where information is readily shared. | ||
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Contact other interested family members and seek others with the surname of interest in computerized phone directories. | Contact other interested family members and seek others with the surname of interest in computerized phone directories. | ||
== | ==Donate Your Files== | ||
On occasion it may not be possible to publish your findings. If you have a significant amount of printed or manuscript material about a family, an archive or historical society may be interested in your files. Be sure they are well organized so others can find information in the collection. If possible, index your materials. | On occasion it may not be possible to publish your findings. If you have a significant amount of printed or manuscript material about a family, an archive or historical society may be interested in your files. Be sure they are well organized so others can find information in the collection. If possible, index your materials. | ||
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Computerized pedigrees and family group records should be contributed to the [[Submitting to the Pedigree Resource File|''Pedigree Resource File'']]. | Computerized pedigrees and family group records should be contributed to the [[Submitting to the Pedigree Resource File|''Pedigree Resource File'']]. | ||
= | =Prepare Names for Temple Ordinances= | ||
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to submit information about their deceased family members in order to provide temple ordinances for them. For an explanation of this belief see [http://www.lds.org/temples/familyhistory/0,11267,1906-1,00.html Temples and Family History]. | Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to submit information about their deceased family members in order to provide temple ordinances for them. For an explanation of this belief see [http://www.lds.org/temples/familyhistory/0,11267,1906-1,00.html Temples and Family History]. | ||
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For instructions on how to submit names for temple work, see ''A Member's Guide to Temple and Family History Work'' (94697), available from your ward family history consultant or family history center. | For instructions on how to submit names for temple work, see ''A Member's Guide to Temple and Family History Work'' (94697), available from your ward family history consultant or family history center. | ||
= | =Restart the Research Cycle= | ||
Ongoing genealogical research is the process of repeating, cycle after cycle, the fivesteps of the research discussed in this article. With each cycle you should have succeeded in meeting one or more research objectives, but to fulfill your goals, and ultimately your quest, you will want to go back through the cycle numerous times. Returning to Step 1, you can further evaluate what you now have and if family members can provide any more information. Then you can move right into a new research objective in Step 2. | Ongoing genealogical research is the process of repeating, cycle after cycle, the fivesteps of the research discussed in this article. With each cycle you should have succeeded in meeting one or more research objectives, but to fulfill your goals, and ultimately your quest, you will want to go back through the cycle numerous times. Returning to Step 1, you can further evaluate what you now have and if family members can provide any more information. Then you can move right into a new research objective in Step 2. | ||
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Genealogical and family history research has proved to be a rewarding pastime for hundreds of thousands of persons throughout the world. Reviewing and following these principles should help make your research more efficient and easier. | Genealogical and family history research has proved to be a rewarding pastime for hundreds of thousands of persons throughout the world. Reviewing and following these principles should help make your research more efficient and easier. | ||
= | =For Further Reading= | ||
'''Sharpen the Saw. '''Don't neglect your genealogical education. Take and teach classes, read and write articles in wikis, periodicals, and books, and visit ancestral stomping grounds. Strive to understand the culture, the community, and the families you are researching. Continue to look for new and better ways to find ancestors. | '''Sharpen the Saw. '''Don't neglect your genealogical education. Take and teach classes, read and write articles in wikis, periodicals, and books, and visit ancestral stomping grounds. Strive to understand the culture, the community, and the families you are researching. Continue to look for new and better ways to find ancestors. | ||
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Epstein, Ellen Robinson and Rona Mendelsohn. [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=457053&disp=Record+and+remember%20%20&columns=*,0,0 ''Record and Remember: Tracing Your Roots Through Oral History'']. New York: Monarch, 1978. (FHL book 929.1 Ep85r) | Epstein, Ellen Robinson and Rona Mendelsohn. [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=457053&disp=Record+and+remember%20%20&columns=*,0,0 ''Record and Remember: Tracing Your Roots Through Oral History'']. New York: Monarch, 1978. (FHL book 929.1 Ep85r) | ||
[[Principles of Family History Research|''Return to start of the whole article'']] | |||
[[Category:Beginners]] | [[Category:Beginners]] | ||