Consider Your Ultimate Goal
When I first started looking into my family history my main focus was the pedigree -- names and dates of birth and death as far back as I could trace them. By the fourth week of research I was 235 names strong, and still going. But, something had changed. I was no longer interested in just the bare facts -- I wanted more! I wanted photographs, copies of documents to verify my research, pictorial proof of where my ancestors were buried, what they did for a living, personal trivia stories, and more. My names and dates grew from a simple fact finding mission that could be given to my grandchildren, to something a whole lot more. By week six I had binders, folders, papers, copies, photos, documents and lists scattered all over my little office. If I wanted to pay a bill, I had to move stacks of genealogy folders to unearth my checkbook. When I couldn't find my car registration renewal form on the day it was due because of my family history research material, I knew I had a problem. I had succumbed to America's number one pasttime (no kidding) ... Genealogy.
Had I But Known... I may have started in a more organized fashion. Even though I took a course in genealogy with a knowledgeable friend by my side, I still felt somewhat adrift. Yes, there are tons of websites. Yes, there lots of different types of records to access. Yes, there are classes and groups galore. Still, when it comes right down to it -- genealogy is very much a guide-your-own-boat project -- your desire alone will determine whether you sink or keep motoring on.
In this section you will find information on beginning and focus, organizing your files, tips and techniques for research, lists for what to take with you and what to expect when you are on the road, books and magazines we've read, and links to other sites to help you as you guide your own research ship through the powerful waters of genealogy. If you are a seasoned researcher and have great ideas to share in any of these categories, please do contact me. We would all love to hear from you.
To begin? All you really need is a pencil or pen and a few 3x5 cards or a notebook -- the rest? Don't worry, it'll be history!
