| Tracing Your Polish Ancestors |
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| 7. ORGANIZING YOUR RECORDS |
| As you are gathering information from the family and from various libraries and other resources, you need to begin filing and keeping track of the work that you have done. A filing and tracking system equipment can be fancy or basic. It is the filing and tracking system that counts, not the equipment. The system must work for you or you won't keep it up. |
| 1. Looseleaf Binder or your laptop computer (to take with you on research trips). A looseleaf binder with pockets an the inside front and back allow you to put family group sheets and pedigree chart in one pocket and research maps in the other. If the binder has a clear pocket on the front, you can store your checklist of things to research. Use a separate binder for each surname. 2. Filing box/cabinet with manila folders or your computer (to store records found) 3. Checklists (a research check list that keeps track of every letter you write and receive; a list of clues that need to be researched; a list documenting your research) 4. In box (for letters and records that need to be filed) , out box (for letters needing to be mailed), pending box (for items that you aren't sure what to do with at present) |
| Four-step filing system |
| Organize by Surnames |
| Begin organizing your file cabinet by alphabetizing your manila folders: addresses lists, baptism records, birth records, census sheets, death records, marriage records, naturalization papers, ship passenger manifests, etc. |
| Next alphabetize each manila envelope by surnames, then given names; the census can be further organized by ten-year periods. |
| Organize by Geographical Location |
| You may choose to organize your ancestors where their records were created (country, state, city or town). Alphabetize the surname under the location, then alphabetize by given names. |
| General File |
| As you research items, gather maps, history of where your ancestors lived and, articles about the time and places in which they lived, pictures or drawings of clothing for their time period, photographs, traditions, occupations. When you organize your family history into book form, you will have good materials to enhance your basic genealogy materials. |
| Documenting Your Sources |
| As you gather information, document where you found the information and who gave it to you. Was it found in a book, on microfilm? At the National Archives, the State Archives? Be sure and add page numbers, microfilm reel numbers, line numbers so that you can find the information again and so someone else who wishes to build off your research can locate those records. By keeping a list as you go along, it isn't a major challenge when your project is finished. |
| Numbering Systems |
| If you are using a computer program to chart your family history, the computer will automatically assign numbers and organize your family pedgree and family charts. |
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