Introduction to Genealogy By Al Barron Slidell Branch Library November 17, 2004

Introduction to Genealogy By Al Barron Slidell Branch Library November 17, 2004

Introduction to Genealogy This series, in three parts, will discuss topics pertinent to family historical research. The intent is to provide the user with basic knowledge to construct a family history and to point out sources for this purpose.

Introduction to Genealogy • Why Genealogy? • To put a personal face on history • To better understand the past by finding one’s place in it • To leave a record of a family for posterity

Introduction to Genealogy • Getting Started • Where do I start” • What information should I have? • What should I include?

Start with yourself and work backwards….Take a chart, and set to work filling in the voids Introduction to Genealogy Getting Started Where do I start?

Introduction to Genealogy Getting Started Where do I start?

What Information Should I have? Introduction to Genealogy Getting Started Fill in what information you can from memory – the details can de taken care of later….

Do what you can on a chart or in a program and use other sources to fill in the gaps…the accuracy relates to your purpose for lineage research…ex. DAR, UDC or just “ME” Introduction to Genealogy Getting Started What Information Should I Have?

This goes to the RESAON or PURPOSE behind a family history ~ You can be as exact as you need to for your own edification – If you are documenting for a heritage organization, your research must be perfect in form Introduction to Genealogy Getting Started What Information Should I Include?

Introduction to Genealogy Organizing Data How your information is organized is as important and related to the purpose of your research. Whatever your purpose is, always DOCUMENT your source. Ex. Green Book/Red Book Problem

Introduction to Genealogy Organizing Data Citing Sources No matter what you use, film, book, website, family papers - tell WHERE the information came from (Red Book Problem)

When using any source, use title, author, ISBN, and call number for a book. For other items, ask someone on how to cite a source. Introduction to Genealogy Organizing Data Citing Sources

Pedigree Charts – Charting the Past Introduction to Genealogy Organizing Data A pedigree chart is what you might usually think of as a family tree – most research starts with something that looks like the background and moves into a program or form

Pedigree Charts – Charting the Past Introduction to Genealogy Organizing Data The Five-Generation Chart from Ancestry.com the form most typically used to get started, and is a free download (also on CD)

Things to consider….. Introduction to Genealogy Organizing Data Pedigree Charts – Charting the Past • Numbering • Amount of Data • Source Citation

Pedigree Charts – Charting the Past Introduction to Genealogy Organizing Data Pedigree charts are the “backbone” of any work that is done ~ The provide a visual link to organize data.

The Family Group Sheet will allow you to fill in the details from your Pedigree Chart. In a computer program (PAF, FTM) these reports are generated for you. Both allow you to CITE the source. Introduction to Genealogy Organizing Data Family Group Sheets

Introduction to Genealogy Organizing Data Family Group Sheets Family group sheets allow you to get all of the raw data in one place about a family. In both print and computer form they summarize generational data for a family.

“Accounting” and Paper Genealogy Introduction to Genealogy Organizing Data In “paper” research, there are a number of records to cite sources, to record letters and requests.

Introduction to Genealogy Organizing Data “Accounting” and Paper Genealogy The Source Summary is a Sheet that allows you to record all of the information for a source to include author, title, call number and library in which the item is located

Computer and internet based sources have “analogs” for the stuff that you see in paper. Again, they allow you to cite your source. This is example is form Personal Ancestral File (“PAF”) Introduction to Genealogy Organizing Data NOTE SOURCE BUTTON

The computer-based programs allow you to have your data NEATLY saved all at once. The paper-based formats are typically better for lineage research due to the documentationrequirements. Introduction to Genealogy Organizing Data

As stated in the opening, start with yourself and work backwards as far as you can from memory. Introduction to Genealogy How to Search

Introduction to Genealogy How to Search Then, using any sort of records that you might have, start filling in the blanks.

Introduction to Genealogy How to Search By using what you have at hand, other resources can later help you~ such as the Census (on film at the library) or as seen here at Ancestry Plus…

Introduction to Genealogy How to Search Using the internet or any resource is much like using any index in book or search engine. You start with a name or term and proceed from there….

Introduction to Genealogy How to Search

No matter what source is used, Ancestry or a print index, that getting started is very easy. But there are problems. Print Census indexes only work 1870 and before. Ancestry does not have all of the material online. After 1880, suing the Census gets a little complicated… Introduction to Genealogy How to Search

All searches start with something..either online or in an index…here are some examples: Introduction to Genealogy Where to Search • Census Indices • Vital Record Indices • Sacramental Records • Land Records • Probate Records

Introduction to Genealogy Where to Search Places to Search: • Courthouses • Libraries • Family History Centers • Archives • Internet Databases • Snail Mail/Email • Message boards

Introduction to Genealogy Overcoming Roadblocks • If you can’t find anything…..Keep trying!! • If someone isn’t present in a Census, try a city directory • Use one source to “cover” for another • Always try a variety of sources to verify one facet of information • Mrs. Lott Story (Persistence pays!!)

Introduction to Genealogy Adding Flesh to Bones Mere facts and dates really only convey existence, not a life. They do not tell a complete story. The dates in a life, birth, marriage deathand other facts merely tell the what of a life. To add interest to research, outside sources OTHER THAN typical ones to add “meat” to your work. Typically, newspapers, family letters, military records, school records, yearbooks, trade publications, all add dimension and depth to research.

Introduction to Genealogy In Conclusion • Learn the use of the tools of the trade • Don’t worry about road blocks • Use any source that meets your need • Cite and verify any source • Network with others to finds answers

Introduction to Genealogy

Introduction to Genealogy By Al Barron Slidell Branch Library November 17, 2004