Step 1: What do I already know?
The first step in doing genealogical research is to identify what information you already know to be true. This information generally comes from your own experience or from documents already in your possession.
Because human memory is fallible, it is important for you to keep permanent records of the information already known to you. For many years, genealogists have recorded information using printed forms such as pedigree charts and family group sheets. (These forms are explained in detail later). Today, it is becoming increasingly common for genealogists to record their information into databases on their personal computers, and then print out pedigree charts and family group sheets as needed. Therefore, you may wish to begin by purchasing and installing genealogy software for your home computer, and then recording the information already in your possession. Don't forget the importance of backing up your information! Check out Family Tree Maker Online.
Even if you store your genealogical research in a computer database, you will usually want to print out copies for your files. This means that you'll need to organize a filing system to keep track of what you already know and what you are working on. You may want to create a separate file folder for each surname in your family, and then files these alphabetically in a filing cabinet.
Pedigree charts are a graphical way to represent the ancestry of an individual. Usually each individual on the pedigree chart is identified by full name, date and place of birth, date and place of marriage, and date and place of death. Lines connect the individual with the individual's father and mother. You will want to begin your genealogical research by completing a pedigree chart with yourself on the far left, and then information about your parents and grandparents on the right, writing down as much information as you already know. Don't worry if you're unable to fill in all of the information at this time -- you'll be collecting more information as your research progresses.
Family group sheets are a way to record information about the basic unit of genealogy: the family. Each sheet records information about the father, the mother, and all of their children. The date and place of marriage is recorded for the parents, and for each individual, the full name, the date and place of birth, and the date and place of death is recorded. If the dates of birth are known, the children are listed in order of birth. In some cases, the names of the children's spouses are also recorded. There is often space on the family group sheet to record additional notes about the family, as needed.
Once you have recorded all of the known information on pedigree charts and family group sheets, you are ready to move on to Step 2: What specific question needs to be answered?
Step 2: What specific question needs to be answered?
Doing research means trying to find the answers to questions. With genealogy, there are an unlimited number of questions that we could ask about each of our ancestors and other relatives. (To avoid saying "he or she", I'll use "they".) These include:
We could quickly become overwhelmed by the number of questions that need answers. Even worse, as you go back in time, you'll have more and more ancestors to ask questions about!
Therefore, you will need to focus on just a few individuals at a time (usually several closely related members of the same family), and also focus on just a few questions about those individuals. In many cases, it is best to focus on only one individual, and only one question at a time. Make sure to use your pedigree charts and family group sheets to help you identify the questions that need answers.
At this point, you will probably want to use another form to help you keep track of your research. For each individual, make a "research plan" document. On the left you'll list which questions you want to answer, and on the right you'll list the steps you plan to take in order to obtain those answers.
Once you've decided which question you want to focus on, you're ready to move on to Step 3: What records might answer my question? You might also want to check out the Center for Life Stories Preservation site. It's very informative!
Step 3: What records might answer my question?
Before you can fill out the rest of your research plan, you'll need to figure out which records are likely to be best for answering your question. If you're just beginning with genealogy, you'll need to understand the different kinds of records that can be used for genealogical research.
There are two basic types of records: primary sources, and secondary sources. Primary sources are records that were created at or near the time of an event, usually by someone who was a direct observer or participant in the event. Secondary sources are records that were created either much later than the time of the event, or by someone who was reading or interpreting a primary source.
Primary sources are generally preferable to secondary sources because they are more likely to be accurate. (It is interesting to note that the same source might be a primary source for one kind of information, and a secondary source for another kind of information. For example, a tombstone may be a primary source for the date of death, but is usually a secondary source for the date of birth.)
In the absence of primary sources, however, you may have to depend on secondary sources. Even when primary sources are available, using secondary sources first may speed up your ability to locate a primary source. For instance, it is often a good idea to locate research that has already been done by others. While it is possible that this research may contain errors, it may save you a great deal of time in locating the primary source documents you need.
There are many different types of primary and secondary source records. They include vital records (births, marriages, deaths), census records, obituaries, cemeteries, church records, military records, and many others. Once you have determined which type of record is most likely to answer your specific question, it is time to move on to Step 4: What do the records actually tell me?
Step 4: What do the records actually tell me?
Once you have decided which type of record is most likely to answer your specific question, you will need to obtain a copy of the record, and examine it. This may be easy or difficult depending on the type of record, its availability, its location, and the ease with which it may be searched. In any event, make sure to include which records you plan to search on your research plan.
Some records are available online, via the Internet. Copies of some records, especially vital records, can often be obtained via postal mail. For more information on obtaining records held by U.S. states, counties and towns, see the book "Ancestry's Red Book", edited by Alice Eichholz.
Many records, especially census records, can be search at your local public library or Family History Center (FHC). Public libraries also often have city directories or copies of old local newspapers. Call or visit your nearest library or FHC for information about this. Family History Centers are usually listed in the telephone book under "Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints" (the Mormons), who operate them for the benefit of all genealogists.
Whenever you are searching for a record or within a particular record, be careful not to miss information because you used too narrow a time period or because you overlooked a misspelled name.
As you search the record, use another form to record what you have learned. A research log (or calendar) form is often used to indicate which records you have searched, when you searched them, and what you found or did not find. It is important to record even when you find no information, so that you will avoid having to search the same record again later.
Once you have located the records, searched them, and made notes about what you have found, it is time to move on to Step 5: What conclusions can I reach?
Step 5: What conclusions can I reach?
Once you have obtained records, searched their contents, and made some notes as to what you have found, it is time to evaluate the results. The new information you have learned may have answered your original questions, or it may have been unsatisfactory. It may even conflict with other information that you already have.
If new information conflicts with existing information, you will have to decide which, if either, piece of information is more likely to be accurate. Is one from a primary source and the other from a secondary source? Is one from a more authoritative or believable source? The more time you spend doing genealogical research, the more skillful you will become in deciding these difficult questions.
As you accumulate new information, be sure to document its source. Identify the source in such a way that others can easily find it if they wished to check your sources. This will help you, as well, if you decide later to recheck the original source.
Incorporate the new information into your pedigree charts and family group sheets, if appropriate. Check this information against the information already in your pedigree charts and family group sheets to see if the new information makes sense.
Don't forget to share what you have learned with those members of your family interested in family history. You may want to include the new information in a family newsletter, announce it at a family reunion, or file it until you decide to write a family history! Or even develop your own homepage so other family members can easily access the information you have compiled. See Cyndi's Genealogy Home Page Construction Kit site for invaluable information to aid you in creating your own web site.
Happy hunting!
Back to the Bay County FLGenWeb Page
Copyright 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Pages by Patti. All rights reserved. The information and graphics contained in the pages on this Web site remain the property of Pages by Patti. All other trademarks mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.