Last month we discussed the beginning steps of genealogy research. We learned how to locate home sources and how to use alternate sources if family records were not available. We also learned about the two main forms for recording our research, the pedigree chart and the family group sheet. If you started looking for information, you probably found a few birth certificates, marriage licenses, obituaries, some old pictures, and a family Bible or two. Now you are wondering, what do I do with all these papers?

Two excellent books describing record keeping systems are Managing a Genealogical Project by William Dollarhide and Organizing your Family History Search by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack. The most important thing to remember is that there are as many systems as there are genealogists. Set up one you will use and use it from the beginning of your research.

The most common way to begin is to set up a manila file system for every couple in your lineage. Enter the name of each male ancestor at the top of the tab and then the wife�s name and her maiden surname below the husband�s. You can attach a two-prong holder to hold the papers securely or just file the papers inside.

The next form we learn about is a research log. It is a form used to record all the places you have searched and what, if any, information you located in each source. Always record the source whether you find any information or not so that you know you have already checked that source. If you find information, photocopy it if you can and if you are using a printed source, photocopy the front page of the book that cites the publishing information. After you have entered the information in your research log, number your photocopy and file it in the manila folder.

An alternative to the manila file system is a notebook system in which each paper is enclosed in a clear holder and kept inside a three-ring notebook. This is especially useful for transporting to reunions or as coffee table displays. This system takes a lot of room but is very nice for displaying all your information.

A third alternative is to file all your documents by subject. All marriage licenses would go in one file, all birth certificates in another, and all death certificates in another. It can be further separated by locations in county or state. However, in addition, you will usually have to maintain a manila family file as well for information not in document form.

All these systems have their advantages and disadvantages. I use a combination and have found that as the information you compile increases, a greater benefit is derived from a combination system. And remember, the more complicated your system is, the less time you have to research, so find a middle ground.

There are several genealogy computer programs available to keep track of the information and sources. These include Family Tree Maker, Family Origins, Ultimate Family Tree and The Master Genealogist. There is also one called Clooz that can sort and classify documents and the people they contain. No matter which program you use, you will always need to have a working paper system as well.

Next month, we will learn about the various aspects of evidence, including primary and secondary sources and direct and indirect circumstantial evidence, and the importance of knowing the differences when searching for documents.

Copywrite
March 5, 2001
Mary Ann Thomas

First Published by
Canon City Daily Record
March 10, 2001

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