I have been asked to write a booklet about starting Family History research, what do you wish you had known/done when you originally started studying your Family History?
I do have a list of my own, but I'd really like to know what every one else wishes they had known or would have done differently.
ID:4712
* I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
The main thing I wish I had done when I first started was to make a note of WHERE the information came from. I have numerous notes of dates etc. which are probably correct but which I cannot find again to deduce where they came from.
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hsw
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
Three top things:
1. Make a note of the source for everything and where that source was.
2. Make a note of every search you do with all the details -- so you don't repeat yourself.
3. Ask advice about using your chosen program before you start entering data -- that way you're less likely to have a load of work to undo when you learn a better way of doing it.
1. Make a note of the source for everything and where that source was.
2. Make a note of every search you do with all the details -- so you don't repeat yourself.
3. Ask advice about using your chosen program before you start entering data -- that way you're less likely to have a load of work to undo when you learn a better way of doing it.
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
Jane,
Here's my tuppence worth:
1. Wish I'd spoken to as many of my ancestors as I could when I had the chance.
2. Wish I and they had recorded information on the back of photographs, eg date; place; who.
3. Not been so free and easy in allowing to be discarded what I thought were unwanted artifacts, documents and photographs.
4. Made detailed notes of my research sources prior to using FH.
5. Used a proper note book instead of pieces of odd paper.
6. Wish I'd started using FH at the beginning!
7. Started my researches a lot earlier.
Brian
Here's my tuppence worth:
1. Wish I'd spoken to as many of my ancestors as I could when I had the chance.
2. Wish I and they had recorded information on the back of photographs, eg date; place; who.
3. Not been so free and easy in allowing to be discarded what I thought were unwanted artifacts, documents and photographs.
4. Made detailed notes of my research sources prior to using FH.
5. Used a proper note book instead of pieces of odd paper.
6. Wish I'd started using FH at the beginning!
7. Started my researches a lot earlier.
Brian
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GladToBeGrey
- Famous
- Posts: 115
- Joined: 26 Oct 2004 09:16
- Family Historian: V7
- Location: Dorset, UK
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
Brian1950's numbers 1,2,3 and 7 say it all for me! I was at least fortunate to start my research only after FH had just been launched.
I would also add 'make sure that relatives know the genealogical value of anything they have tucked away at home'.
I really, really, really wish my late Aunt had not sold off to a house clearer, or in some cases just destroyed, the contents of her box room before the rest of the family got wind of it, when she moved into sheltered accommodation.
A significant number of documents, pictures, items and other artefacts collected by my Grandfather, and namesake, during his time in the Royal Marines Light Infantry in China in the late 1850's went, never to be seen again. She had no idea of the value of what she had. I was only a child; my father was heartbroken, but at least Grandfather's medals have come down to me.
[cry]
I would also add 'make sure that relatives know the genealogical value of anything they have tucked away at home'.
I really, really, really wish my late Aunt had not sold off to a house clearer, or in some cases just destroyed, the contents of her box room before the rest of the family got wind of it, when she moved into sheltered accommodation.
A significant number of documents, pictures, items and other artefacts collected by my Grandfather, and namesake, during his time in the Royal Marines Light Infantry in China in the late 1850's went, never to be seen again. She had no idea of the value of what she had. I was only a child; my father was heartbroken, but at least Grandfather's medals have come down to me.
[cry]
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
Hi Jane,
One thing I've often found myself doing is repeating research because I've lost track of where I had found information and where there was none. Many times, though, it has been the absence of information that has been the most important part of the search.
If I had to start again, I would keep a diary of all research carried out and the results found or not found particularly where an item was 'known' to have occurred.
The most obvious example that comes to mind is searching a Census for a family who are not there. After many hours, it is frustrating to discover that it was transcribed incorrectly and the search could have taken minutes if variations of the name had been used.
Good luck with the booklet.
Bilko
One thing I've often found myself doing is repeating research because I've lost track of where I had found information and where there was none. Many times, though, it has been the absence of information that has been the most important part of the search.
If I had to start again, I would keep a diary of all research carried out and the results found or not found particularly where an item was 'known' to have occurred.
The most obvious example that comes to mind is searching a Census for a family who are not there. After many hours, it is frustrating to discover that it was transcribed incorrectly and the search could have taken minutes if variations of the name had been used.
Good luck with the booklet.
Bilko
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
Verify the '100% correct' information told to you by family members.
Try to record conversations with 'older' members of the family and let them go of on a tangent. Surprising how much information comes to light that way.
Try to record conversations with 'older' members of the family and let them go of on a tangent. Surprising how much information comes to light that way.
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gerrynuk
- Megastar
- Posts: 565
- Joined: 25 Apr 2007 09:21
- Family Historian: V6
- Location: Welwyn Garden City
- Contact:
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
In no particular order!
1. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions - of your family and other researchers. We all have to learn and even if you have a degree in genealogy you won't become a real genealogist until you start doing it for real!
2. Don't worry too much about repeating your searches - sometimes we miss things the first time around and sometimes the source you are researching has been updated. Internet based information is particularly prone to this. (But also see 5 below)
3. If you see something that looks wrong it may be wrong so do something about it. Report mis-transcriptions and write to owners of family trees if you think they have made a mistake. Of course, be polite when you do this. And don't expect records to be changed or even to get a reply or thanks - some people don't like being told they are wrong even if you have the proof. Reputable web based organisations will generally acknowledge corrections and do something about it.
4. Don't throw anything away! (See also 6!)
5. Take copies of all original records that you use: either a photocopy or a photograph. Costs of photocopies and photography permits can be high but if you have travelled a long way to find the records then you really don't want to have to repeat the journey. And don't forget to record in writing what you have copied/photographed or else you will certainly get in a muddle.
6. Get yourself organised. Particularly when going to record offices make sure you know what you are looking for. Indeed, it is worth listing more than you think you can actually cope with in one day - just tick off what you manage on the day and then you have your list already made up for the next trip. Sometimes the records you are hoping to see are not available for a variety of reasons so you need other things on your list so that the trip isn't wasted.
7. If you really can't read the microfilm - and some are truly awful - do ask if you can see the original. This won't work, of course, if the original records are kept somewhere else - this applies particularly to LDS Family History Centres.
8. Do expect to pay for things so set yourself a realistic budget. This should include travel costs, your hotel/B&B costs, meals, photocopying and photography permits, computer software, stationery etc.
9. Don't wear your best white outfit if you are going to inspect 200 year old original records. They will be dirty and so will your clothes. Some record offices can be freezing so go prepared.
10. Don't wait too long before you write up your day's researches - preferably on the same day (if you're not too tired) but certainly within a few days.
Good luck with the book, Jane.
Gerry
1. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions - of your family and other researchers. We all have to learn and even if you have a degree in genealogy you won't become a real genealogist until you start doing it for real!
2. Don't worry too much about repeating your searches - sometimes we miss things the first time around and sometimes the source you are researching has been updated. Internet based information is particularly prone to this. (But also see 5 below)
3. If you see something that looks wrong it may be wrong so do something about it. Report mis-transcriptions and write to owners of family trees if you think they have made a mistake. Of course, be polite when you do this. And don't expect records to be changed or even to get a reply or thanks - some people don't like being told they are wrong even if you have the proof. Reputable web based organisations will generally acknowledge corrections and do something about it.
4. Don't throw anything away! (See also 6!)
5. Take copies of all original records that you use: either a photocopy or a photograph. Costs of photocopies and photography permits can be high but if you have travelled a long way to find the records then you really don't want to have to repeat the journey. And don't forget to record in writing what you have copied/photographed or else you will certainly get in a muddle.
6. Get yourself organised. Particularly when going to record offices make sure you know what you are looking for. Indeed, it is worth listing more than you think you can actually cope with in one day - just tick off what you manage on the day and then you have your list already made up for the next trip. Sometimes the records you are hoping to see are not available for a variety of reasons so you need other things on your list so that the trip isn't wasted.
7. If you really can't read the microfilm - and some are truly awful - do ask if you can see the original. This won't work, of course, if the original records are kept somewhere else - this applies particularly to LDS Family History Centres.
8. Do expect to pay for things so set yourself a realistic budget. This should include travel costs, your hotel/B&B costs, meals, photocopying and photography permits, computer software, stationery etc.
9. Don't wear your best white outfit if you are going to inspect 200 year old original records. They will be dirty and so will your clothes. Some record offices can be freezing so go prepared.
10. Don't wait too long before you write up your day's researches - preferably on the same day (if you're not too tired) but certainly within a few days.
Good luck with the book, Jane.
Gerry
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nsw
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
Spellings of names before the 20th century is not really significant. e.g. if your Surname is Cook and you come across a Cooke in the 1851 census then don't ignore them and assume they can't be your great-great grandfather!
Any item of information you record needs to have a source recorded, you'll regret it one day if you don't do this.
Any item of information you record needs to have a source recorded, you'll regret it one day if you don't do this.
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nsw
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
Don't assume that everything is available on the Internet. Sometimes you need to travel to record offices and spend time searching - not everything is indexed.
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bgriffiths
- Platinum
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 21 May 2006 18:27
- Family Historian: V6
- Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
- Contact:
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
...and just because an old aunt was interested in genealogy and has 'done some research', don't assume she always got it right! My aunt left me a lot of valuable information, but made one huge error - a confusion based on two women with the same name. Forgiveable maybe but she knew at least one of them, so should really have known that she was dealing with her uncle's widow, not his sister!Stevebye said:
Verify the '100% correct' information told to you by family members.
BrianG
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ireneblackburn
- Superstar
- Posts: 289
- Joined: 07 Apr 2005 13:40
- Family Historian: V6
- Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
I agree with the people who say keep a careful record of sources and ask older relatives about the mystery people in photographs.
I wish someone had told me how much stuff I would accumulate - I would have had a bigger house!
Irene
I wish someone had told me how much stuff I would accumulate - I would have had a bigger house!
Irene
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Jane
- Site Admin
- Posts: 8441
- Joined: 01 Nov 2002 15:00
- Family Historian: V7
- Location: Somerset, England
- Contact:
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
Thanks everyone, some great ones so far.
[smile]
[smile]
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davidm_uk
- Megastar
- Posts: 740
- Joined: 20 Mar 2004 12:33
- Family Historian: V7
- Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire, UK
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
And just to add -
With regards to keeping a record of where you searched, particularly with on line records it is sometimes worth repeating unsuccessful searches because new records become available on an ongoing basis, so something that wasn't there even 6 months ago might be there today!
Particularly true for parish records, but even with GRO indexes some missing bits are getting filled in. The IGI indexes on FamilySearch are continually being updated with new 'extracted' entries, and of course Ancestry is adding new things all the time.
Added to which the search engines employed by these sites are becomming more sophisticated and will often find things previously missed, maybe due to a misspelling.
With regards to keeping a record of where you searched, particularly with on line records it is sometimes worth repeating unsuccessful searches because new records become available on an ongoing basis, so something that wasn't there even 6 months ago might be there today!
Particularly true for parish records, but even with GRO indexes some missing bits are getting filled in. The IGI indexes on FamilySearch are continually being updated with new 'extracted' entries, and of course Ancestry is adding new things all the time.
Added to which the search engines employed by these sites are becomming more sophisticated and will often find things previously missed, maybe due to a misspelling.
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
Computers and software changes...but GEDCOM remains a constant.
Paperwork is still necessary.
Ron
Paperwork is still necessary.
Ron
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
Don't believe everything that you read on BMD certificates and census returns. People lied, forgot, and confused facts. Some unofficially changed their names and used those names on official documents. Registrars and census enumerators made mistakes and often didn't check with the subjects, or couldn't check because the subject was illiterate.
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
I wish someone had told me ....
That I would be completely hooked and spend far too much time on Family History!
Anne
That I would be completely hooked and spend far too much time on Family History!
Anne
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
To sketch out the structure of how the myriad documents, records and certificates, etc that will accumulate will be stored, both electronically and the hard paper copies. Making a change later down the line is not impossible but is quite tedious. Better to have a firm plan sketched out to start with, dull as it sounds.
Also to save up for the many certificates that will need ordering - oh the excited joy when the postman delivers yet another revelation!
Also to save up for the many certificates that will need ordering - oh the excited joy when the postman delivers yet another revelation!
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
1. Don't leap to conclusions the first time you find a
name match!
2. Don't worry if you leapt to conclusions the first time
etc. It's all part of the learning process, and you'll
do it better next time round.
3. Listen especially hard when Great Aunt Gladys veers off
the point or changes the subject. That's probably the
interesting skeleton in the closet which provides the
missing link.
4. Be aware that your names on paper are Gladys's
grandparents....
5. Keep note of ALL instances of the name in the local
area; they'll connect eventually.
6. Record searches even when you drew a blank; otherwise
you can end up repeating yourself to no conclusion.
7. Remember that living members of your family are at least
as interesting as the dead ones, and that the dead ones
were probably just as irritating!
name match!
2. Don't worry if you leapt to conclusions the first time
etc. It's all part of the learning process, and you'll
do it better next time round.
3. Listen especially hard when Great Aunt Gladys veers off
the point or changes the subject. That's probably the
interesting skeleton in the closet which provides the
missing link.
4. Be aware that your names on paper are Gladys's
grandparents....
5. Keep note of ALL instances of the name in the local
area; they'll connect eventually.
6. Record searches even when you drew a blank; otherwise
you can end up repeating yourself to no conclusion.
7. Remember that living members of your family are at least
as interesting as the dead ones, and that the dead ones
were probably just as irritating!
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goodwin2
- Famous
- Posts: 199
- Joined: 24 Aug 2007 21:06
- Family Historian: V6.2
- Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania, USA
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
Some of the following have already been mentioned but let me add my two cents:
No 1. Should be for everyone -- SOURCE EVERTHING!
No 2. Give considerable thought to how you are going to structure your filing system - both paper and computer. There have been many good suggestions on this forum site. While our computer's [and FH's] search feature does work wonders, it is easier on the nerves if we bypass the 'I know I have it somewhere' syndrome.
No. 3. If you are going to be the 'keeper of the family history', preserve all those old photos, bibles, marriage certificates, birth announcements, etc. using the best method of preservation currently availabe.
No. 4. Try to get Aunt Sadie and Uncle Walter to either let you have those items of family history OR - there is now a scanner that will preserve photos, documents, etc. without having them 'leave the house'. You may also be able to camcord or photo some of those items.
No. 5. Take and keep lots of notes with whatever current technology is available to you - both on your travel and computer research.
No. 6. Keep an ongoing outline of your research - particularly noting your overall methodology. Some of us are purists - others are not. So if you do occasionally do a 'LOF', i.e. 'leap of faith', put that in.
No. 7. The purpose of number 6 is so that - at some point - when you are passing over your research - hopefully to a family member who was also 'bitten by the bug' there will be a starting point for that person.
No. 8. Consider that - down the road - for those of us who have serious reservations about putting it all 'out there', you may also want to donate your research findings to a genealogy group in the area where many of your line lived, an historical organization and/or your local library. Also send an 'Our Family History' CD to your current living relatives. And you have probably found some that you had previously not known about.
BTW - when did the membership reach 3000? I've been 'out of commission' for +/- five weeks so have missed a lot of forum activity.[frown]
No 1. Should be for everyone -- SOURCE EVERTHING!
No 2. Give considerable thought to how you are going to structure your filing system - both paper and computer. There have been many good suggestions on this forum site. While our computer's [and FH's] search feature does work wonders, it is easier on the nerves if we bypass the 'I know I have it somewhere' syndrome.
No. 3. If you are going to be the 'keeper of the family history', preserve all those old photos, bibles, marriage certificates, birth announcements, etc. using the best method of preservation currently availabe.
No. 4. Try to get Aunt Sadie and Uncle Walter to either let you have those items of family history OR - there is now a scanner that will preserve photos, documents, etc. without having them 'leave the house'. You may also be able to camcord or photo some of those items.
No. 5. Take and keep lots of notes with whatever current technology is available to you - both on your travel and computer research.
No. 6. Keep an ongoing outline of your research - particularly noting your overall methodology. Some of us are purists - others are not. So if you do occasionally do a 'LOF', i.e. 'leap of faith', put that in.
No. 7. The purpose of number 6 is so that - at some point - when you are passing over your research - hopefully to a family member who was also 'bitten by the bug' there will be a starting point for that person.
No. 8. Consider that - down the road - for those of us who have serious reservations about putting it all 'out there', you may also want to donate your research findings to a genealogy group in the area where many of your line lived, an historical organization and/or your local library. Also send an 'Our Family History' CD to your current living relatives. And you have probably found some that you had previously not known about.
BTW - when did the membership reach 3000? I've been 'out of commission' for +/- five weeks so have missed a lot of forum activity.[frown]
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
When my Nan died in 2006, on her 79th birthday, I was next of kin (by Mum died 5 years before, and my uncle in his twenties). Going through my Nan's photos and documents is what started me on the family history voyage of discovery. There are three things I wish I had known (other than the necessity for sources [wink]).
1. When the back of a photo has 'mum' written on it, it would be useful to know who wrote it. Apparently my Aunt wrote it while looking it the family tree. Knowing that would have saved a lot confusion. It is a shame she didn't write on more of them!
2. I wish I had spoken more to my family about their life while I had the chance. Family History should be a compulsory school subject (or project) to force kids to ask questions that they later wished they had asked.
3. I wish I had known how enjoyable, addictive, rewarding and yet frustrating this 'hobby' is, earlier in life. The one person who's death started me off, is the one person I have so many questions for, and the one person who I would have liked to share my findings with the most.
Steve
1. When the back of a photo has 'mum' written on it, it would be useful to know who wrote it. Apparently my Aunt wrote it while looking it the family tree. Knowing that would have saved a lot confusion. It is a shame she didn't write on more of them!
2. I wish I had spoken more to my family about their life while I had the chance. Family History should be a compulsory school subject (or project) to force kids to ask questions that they later wished they had asked.
3. I wish I had known how enjoyable, addictive, rewarding and yet frustrating this 'hobby' is, earlier in life. The one person who's death started me off, is the one person I have so many questions for, and the one person who I would have liked to share my findings with the most.
Steve
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jmurphy
- Megastar
- Posts: 712
- Joined: 05 Jun 2007 23:33
- Family Historian: V6.2
- Location: California, USA
- Contact:
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
I started doing family history when my father-in-law died and we were going through the family papers. So I agree with all of Steve's points above. I especially agree that if done with appropriate care, it would be a great topic for kids to do in school.
I wish I had known, when I was a child and meeting all our relatives, the sorts of things I know now. Because then, upon meeting someone for the first time, I could have asked them to draw a mini family-tree back to our common ancestor, and I could have had a list of interview questions like 'what was your favorite thing to do when you were my age' and so on. Since I was a shy kid, it would have been very useful to have the structure of 'research' to break the ice.
If I were teaching such a class, my emphasis would be twofold -- to gather information which was appropriate to share outside the family, which my students could present in class, as well as more private family things which would be kept within the family. The class would be the perfect way to introduce the 'you don't reveal things about living people without their permission' concept at an early age.
I wish I had known, when I was a child and meeting all our relatives, the sorts of things I know now. Because then, upon meeting someone for the first time, I could have asked them to draw a mini family-tree back to our common ancestor, and I could have had a list of interview questions like 'what was your favorite thing to do when you were my age' and so on. Since I was a shy kid, it would have been very useful to have the structure of 'research' to break the ice.
If I were teaching such a class, my emphasis would be twofold -- to gather information which was appropriate to share outside the family, which my students could present in class, as well as more private family things which would be kept within the family. The class would be the perfect way to introduce the 'you don't reveal things about living people without their permission' concept at an early age.
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Johnyeates
- Famous
- Posts: 190
- Joined: 19 Sep 2009 18:55
- Family Historian: V6
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
Save/Scan everything onto the computer or else you will have cupboards full of paper that will not be indexed/searched as easily as on the PC.
With the above you need to have a simple but effective filing system on the PC (in the Media folder on FH) to keep all details about a particular person together, even if you are using FH and linking the multimedia
John
With the above you need to have a simple but effective filing system on the PC (in the Media folder on FH) to keep all details about a particular person together, even if you are using FH and linking the multimedia
John
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
In no particular order:
'I wish someone had told me . . .'
- that many family members are just not interested
- that older relatives might not want skeletons to be disturbed
- some people can be possessive of their family's photos and information to the point of obstruction
- some people do not want any presence on the internet so don't send a full ged to a very distant relative and be surprised when he totally ignores your request not to put it on Ancestry/Genes Re/etc. and also claims the rest as his own research
- not to waste money on pay-per-item views unless certain it is the right person
- not to assume
and possibly the main one, albeit a mite obscure
- not to go off to the LMA for a fruitless visit on my birthday instead of seeing Steve Hackett playing at the local concert hall
Chris
'I wish someone had told me . . .'
- that many family members are just not interested
- that older relatives might not want skeletons to be disturbed
- some people can be possessive of their family's photos and information to the point of obstruction
- some people do not want any presence on the internet so don't send a full ged to a very distant relative and be surprised when he totally ignores your request not to put it on Ancestry/Genes Re/etc. and also claims the rest as his own research
- not to waste money on pay-per-item views unless certain it is the right person
- not to assume
and possibly the main one, albeit a mite obscure
- not to go off to the LMA for a fruitless visit on my birthday instead of seeing Steve Hackett playing at the local concert hall
Chris
I wish someone had told me . . . When I started
[smile] Love the last one Chris. I bet you would have felt differently if you had found the very thing you wanted at the LMA!!!
Anne
Anne