I have been working on my family tree for a number of years. A few days ago I received a book that contained a photograph of a granduncle and his family. The record in the book had his wife's name as Mary Brown. However, my research shows that her name was Eliza Rows. The citation I have does not definitively prove my records. Perhaps you have had a similar problem in your research? What can you do if you are confronted with a similar situation? We will try to address some of these issues and help you to document and store your family tree properly.
When I research my family tree, I have learned to follow a few rules to ensure that I document, record and store as accurately as possible. I learned most of these things the hard way. It's never too late to improve your techniques! Use these suggestions as a guide, but develop your own system to document your research, store your records and even improve your note taking skills. Use the things that work and modify the things that don't. Here are a few tips:
- Record the details of each research effort including the surname your are following, location and dates of the interview or research session and who you interviewed on the top of each note;
- Record the citation next to each specific fact that the citation supports. For example, a copy of the Birth Certificate can be used as the citation for each of the following facts: full name; birth date; and place of birth for an individual. Don't include this citation for every fact about the person like: marriage date and place; children's names; and date of death;
- Document the citation information immediately and as completely as possible. There is nothing worse than remembering the book you found it in had a red cover but not knowing the title, author, or publisher. It is also important to record the chapter and page where you found the reference;
- Make sure that the computer program you choose to use allows detailed citations and allows you to specify the facts that the citation documents;
- Carefully store all documents, charts, newspaper articles, photocopies, etc. in binders and file folders by surname. Be sure to carefully number and cross reference all records so that you can find it again; and
- Set up a library of the books and records that you collect. Store the items carefully so that you can easily recover them when the need arises.
By having your source citation clearly marked you can have a better idea as to which fact is correct. However, there is no guarantee that you will be able to prove or disprove all the facts that you uncover. Like the example above, it may take months to discover whether my original records were correct or if the book is right. But knowing where I uncovered my original facts and being able to retrace my steps I will have a good chance of prove or disprove one or the other.
Genealogy is a challenging hobby that can be very rewarding. However, it is just as important to properly document and store your research as it was to make the find in the first place. Check out the links on this website to find resources and suggestions that will help you trace and properly document your family tree. Whether updating records, recording a citation or simply filing, doing it properly will help preserve your heritage for future generations.
