| Computer! |
Old or new
there are plenty of Genealogy programs available for all kinds of inexpensive computers.
This will save you hours and hours and hours of time and make all your research look
professional. |
| Web! |
There is so
much genealogy information, and so many organizations all over the world now available
although most databases are just coming into being. |
| Relatives! |
Send a Family
Group sheet to everyone in your family and ask them to fill in all the dates, names
and places. Send them updates every once in awhile. |
| Elderly! |
This is a
goldmine that we all regret not having used early enough. Take a tape recorder and paper
loaded with questions. |
| Save,Save,Save!
|
Make a file
system using one folder for each family name, folders for papers people give to you, and
folders for how to booklets, organizations, etc. |
| Backup! |
On your
computer backup up your genealogy program at least once a month both on the hard drive and
on TWO different diskettes or a zip disk. |
| Organizations! |
Join at
least one genealogy organization and at least two mailing lists or newsgroups with your
computer. |
| Email! |
Use your email
to keep in contact with fellow genealogist and relatives. |
| Phone! |
Using the
Internet white pages call and write any possible relatives in the USA and abroad. |
| Review! |
Once every 3
months go back over all primary source material such as certificates and notes you have
taken. You will be amazed at how names or places or dates that do not make sense in one
month come to life 6 months later. |
| Mementos! |
Look in every
possible place of yours or your relatives. You will not believe where clues can be found -
on backs of photos, in family bibles, address books, funeral and marriage lists, letters
etc. |
| Morman
FHC! |
DO NOT
overlook this source! As a matter of fact, start here and you might never have to go
anywhere else. There is sooo much information and data available for everyone
no matter what nationality at very reasonable fees . Personally I can tell you that a good
2/3 of my family research came from FHC. |
| Libraries! |
There is all
kninds of books and information available especially in Genealogy libraries. |
| Scanners! |
This is an
absolute must! Scanners of high quality and easy to use can be purchased for less than
$100. You can scan and save ALL your documents and pictures into your geneaolgy software
program and also use it to exchange things of importance with relativ es and fellow
genealogist. |
| Cyndi's List |
Before you
begin any research do yourself a HUGE favor. Check out the Genealogy links list made
available on the internet by Cyndi Howells. START here and you will never regret it! |
| Publish! |
Publish your
results as a book, pamphlet, web page or even a short newsletter to family members. Not
only does this reward everyone including yourself but also allows for inaccuracies
to be changed and added information or clues to be made available to you. |
| Seminars! |
Attend one
workshop, one seminar or one course per year whether in your home town, far away or on the
internet. |
| Schedule! |
Schedule your
time when noone is around. This tip may save you from Divorce as once you are involved in
your family research it becomes addictive!!!!!! |
| BEGIN!!! |
Good luck.
This is perhaps the most exciting adventure you could have ever imagined. It is who you
are, and every peice of this giant puzzle you fit in, makes a more complete picture for
you, your family and posterity! |
Mollo
& Dougherty 
Beginning Tips
