20 August 2024
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Are you getting all the benefits that come from being an organised family history researcher? No, don’t run away! You can do it! With a little bit of time we can ALL reap the benefits that come from being a more organised family historian. Let’s see how.
Family history research is a rewarding but complex endeavour that requires meticulous attention to detail. We have to be meticulous in how we search for information, and in how we record the information.
It’s not possible to turn back the clock, but you can start from now. Make a pledge to yourself to be an organised family historian from this moment forth! And we’re here to help you.
Read up on these aspects of getting organised below.
To make sense of this often overwhelming array of data that we come across when doing family history, being organised and methodical is not just helpful—it is essential. These skills can transform research from a chaotic collection of documents into a coherent and insightful family narrative.
How to get organised in your family history record-keeping & source citation
As you gather information, it’s important to keep a record of where each piece of information came from, whether it's a physical document, an online database, or a conversation with a relative. This is known as citing your sources.
This ensures that you can always trace back where a fact was obtained, which is crucial for verifying the accuracy of your research.
How to go about citing sources for family history
A well-organised system might include digital spreadsheets, databases, or even specialised genealogy software (such as Family Tree Maker, RootsMagic, Legacy Family Tree, TreeView, Reunion (Mac)) that allows you to keep track of sources, dates, and other important details – and to build a family tree.
Remember too to make the most of your online tree-building tools, for instance on Ancestry, Findmypast, FamilySearch, MyHeritage or WikiTree. Use any fields and facilities provided to add note and source citations.
The specialised software and the online tree builders all tend to provide useful fields to fill in, to help you to cite your sources. Take that bit of time to fill them in and your future genealogy self will thank you for having recorded this useful information.
How to name your family history files consistently
A consistent record-keeping system allows for easy retrieval of information. When you are deep into research and need to reference a document you found months ago, an organized system means you won't waste time searching for it. This efficiency enables you to focus more on analysis and less on administrative tasks.
How to go about creating a consistent record-keeping system: be sure to download historic records that you find online and store them in an organised manner on your computer and or in the cloud. How you go about this is up to you. You may wish to set up multiple folders, or just one. Either way, the most important aspect of a consistent record-keeping system is the file name.
- Think about how you may wish to search for the file in the future.
- Think about the way in which you name the file will impact the way they are listed in your folder.
We would advise including the person’s name, the type of record, the date of the record and perhaps a clue as to the source. For instance: BLOGGS Joe, birth certificate, 01 Jan 1888, name of website. Or Birth certificate, BLOGGS Joe, 01 Jan 1888, name of website. The former will list your records in surname order; the latter will organise your records by record type. Either is a very good plan, and either will enable you to search your computer/cloud by a name or record type and find the record again easily in the future.
Creating a research plan & a research log
A methodical approach to family history also involves creating a research plan.
Before diving into a new branch of your family tree, take the time to outline what you already know and what you hope to discover.
Then set yourself some specific goals to help you avoid getting sidetracked.
A research plan can also help you identify gaps in your knowledge and help you to clarify potential helpful sources that it would be useful for you to consult.
Having drawn up your research plan, your next step is to keep referring to it as you proceed with your research, AND to keep a record of your research steps and findings (and fruitless searches too – so that you don’t repeat them) in a research log.
Stuck!! What to do if you hit a genealogy research road block...
It happens to all family history researchers – we all hit genealogy research road blocks, often called brick walls. It can seem as though a solution is impossible and that you will never be able to solve the puzzle. However, by being very organised and methodical, you will drastically increase your chances of being able to get around your genealogy research road block.
By keeping a careful record of the sources you’ve researched, by making a research plan and keeping to it (as far as you can) and filling in a research log of all that you’ve accomplished you will have a helpful record of the research you have done. Read through your notes so far. Having clarified and established what you have done, then you can make a specific plan of attack to break through your genealogy research road block.
From drawing up a list of all the details you’ve found so far about a person, to creating a timeline of these clues, there are numerous next steps you can undertake to progress your research.
Get the 6-step genealogy methodology
In the October issue of Family Tree, professional genealogist Phil Isherwood outlines a six-step genealogy research methodology which is ideal for use when working on genealogy brick walls.
Phil has carefully honed his six-step plan over his years of researching family history and in the October issue he explains what the steps are, and how they can be transformative to your family history research – and, fingers crossed, actually help you to solve your family history puzzles!
Phil's six-step plan has been creating for those genealogy situations where the going gets tough - to help you keep making progress on your family history research.
The October issue is out from 13 September. Order your copy here.
