Do a Background Check
There might be more to your family history than what meets the eye. Take the time to study the history of the region of the ancestors you are researching. Be sure to record all of the historical challenges and triumphs that may have impacted your family story.
Animate the Family Tree
Who likes to read dry facts, dates, etc.? Maybe some of us researchers enjoy it, but in order to leave a lively trail of history for others to enjoy it’s important to dig into the juicy stories. Include stories of inspiration about overcoming hardships or traveling halfway around the world for a new beginning. Gather scrapbooks, family Bibles and journals and even the youngest family members will be captivated.
Spread the Word
Research can be a lonely pastime. In fact, it’s usually much easier to research without someone looking over your shoulder or asking questions just when you’re really getting into your work. But before you go too far in researching your family tree spread the word. Let your family (close and distant) know that you’re putting together a family tree. They may have invaluable information they’d love to share.
Define your Surname
Surnames often were created with certain formulas. Check out Ancestry.com to see how others in your family have understood your family name origins. Understanding the formula for your family surname may be helpful. Here's a few hints:
- Patronymic Surnames = the son of (Watson)
- Occupation = trades/jobs (Carpenter)
- Region = outstanding characteristic of home (Hill, Locke)
- Characteristics = personality or appearance (Small, Lamb)
- Clan Name = most Irish or Scottish surnames come from the family clan)
Spell Check
Got a simple family name like Smith? Who could misspell that! Think again. Smith could be spelled: Smith, Smyth, Smythe, Smithe. Don’t be fooled by variant spelling. Soundex is a great tool for overcoming spelling problems because it uses coded for the phonetic sounds of names. For mor information about other ways to spell your family name check out my article "Soundex - A Code to Group Similar Sounding Names".
Use Standard Forms
Standard forms are a little boring, but they are solid no-mess tools. Think about it. They have everything laid out for you. You don’t have to worry about forgetting to gather certain information when you’re halfway home. I've created a number of common forms that you can download for free. Check out my page "Family Tree Templates - Get Organized" to download your copy. These forms are also great for giving you a professional aura when interviewing family members… a great plus for tight-lipped relatives who might suspect you of just being nosy.
Up your Census I.Q.
How much do you know about censuses, what information they hold, and what you need to document when researching them?
- The first U.S. Census was conducted in 1790
- The most recent available for research is the 1930 U.S. census due to a 72 year restriction.
- Generally, the information census takers gathered was: name, age, gender, country of birth, occupation, education, rent/own.
- The information you need to document from each census: county, state, district, enumerator, enumeration date, enumerator district number, district supervisor number. If the information is on microfilm then record the microfilm reference number and page.
Pinpoint Source Citations
It doesn’t take very long for your stack of papers to pile up, and you can bet you’ll have forgotten where you found vital bits of information. Always pinpoint the source of your citations on every document so that you can prove the information you gathered. Check out my article "Source Citations – A Key To Reliable Documentation" for more information. Don’t wait until you’ve wasted months of research because you can’t remember.
Be Prepared
Before you head out on any research expedition, map out your trip. Figure out who it is you want to research, what information you need to gather and have the paperwork to keep you on track. Prepare a research log for each individual, a family sheet, a record for the document you’re searching for (birth certificate, etc.), and copies of the records you have. It’ll save you wasted time, gas, and frustration!
Connect the Dots to Find Great Software
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the vast amount of software available for family tree researchers. Simply make a list of what features you’d really like for your research, and rank the importance. Your review of software will become a much less daunting task. Simply check off those that don’t have what you’re looking for, and narrow your choices to a manageable number. Check out the webpage "Name Origins - Discover Your Heritage" for suggestions on finding the right Family Tree research tools to help you uncover your family's legacy.
Experience is the best teacher. Have your experiences given you some insight to add to our checklist? Click the "Login or Register to leave a Comment" button below to share them with us.
