Since the advent of the internet, the world of genealogy has
changed incredibly. Twenty years ago, genealogy consisted of writing slews of
letters and visiting courthouses, cemeteries, relatives, and archives in person.
While tedious at times, these “old school” research techniques did help teach
genealogists valuable lessons in documentation and patience.
Thanks to mega-sites such as Ancestry.com, people with an
interest in family history can easily become “weekend warrior genealogists”… and
with three clicks of their computer mouse, have a family history going back
hundreds of years. While certainly handy, these technology advancements have
allowed people to claim false lineage and further share incorrect information…
and not only that, but miss out on actually learning about their families.
I’m the first person to use email and jump on Ancestry.com
when I am on a quest for someone. But during this past year, I was noticing that
the bulk of my genealogy research consisted of searching the same old internet
databases and mega-sites. And while I was finding tons of data, I was missing
out on some very important aspects of genealogy…. One of the most important (if
not the most important) is documentation. Sadly, when it comes to
documentation, I’m as guilty as the next person! I always think I’ll “remember”
or “just know” where that piece of data came from… but of course I don’t. It
would be impossible… I’ve been actively researching for two decades and have
many lines that I’ve researched extensively at various points over the years. So
among my genealogy New Year’s Resolutions, was to start documenting things
better! Winter (especially in Minnesota) is a perfect time to
overhaul genealogy! And the New Year is a perfect time to implement some 'resolutions'!
So my personal genealogy ‘resolutions’ consist of:
1. Documentation
2.
Reorganization
3. Re-examine dead ends
4. Connections with 'cousins'
5.
Genealogy ‘fun’
Documentation:
There are countless documentation aids out there! And I have
been actively searching for the best ones. I need something handy to use and
that won’t add to the paper clutter I’m desperately trying to limit. Ultimately, I'd like to be organized enough that I can keep better track of my online research finds. There are countless "how to document" websites out there... but I haven't really stumbled across anything that I found to be a surefire easy thing for me?! The great Emily Croom does have an ebook published a few years ago, that it a nice starting point for anyone who is at the very early stages of documenting.
I'd suggest having a look for ideas.... And of course would love to hear any feedback from other regarding their own documentation strengths (or weaknesses)
Reorganization:
Mass reorganization of my personal genealogy archive is long
overdue. I’ve spent the last two years (ok…5 years!) collecting data but not
actually filing it appropriately or making it easily accessible when I need it.
My family binders are outdated and in great need of rejuvenation. The bookcase
of 20+ binders does look a little daunting… especially since Winter is
waning…. I think every genealogist has his or her own organization system, and not every system works for every individual researcher.
Like many unorganized people, I love to read about systems to get organized and see how other people manage the never ending flow of "stuff" genealogists obtain.
'Organizing Your Family History Search," by the genealogist genius- Sharon DeBartolo Carmack, is a great resource for getting organized! But then those ideas don't work for everyone!
Family Tree Magazine (another great genie resource, but clutter addition when you hoard them) has a whole bunch of free forms you can download....
Check them out! Use them! I, of course, haven't yet... but I'm still afraid the addition of more "organization" forms will add to the clutter of my study that is encroaching on the living room...
How do you organize your genealogy archive? I collect tips, like paper... so share with me!
Re-examination of brick walls:
Like all genealogists, I have my share of brick walls. However
it’s been a really really long time since I sat down and looked at these dead
ends with fresh eyes and have created a timeline with what I know and what I’ve
tried, et al. Of course.... to tackle brick walls effectively, one must get organized! (ugh... that cursed 'O' word again)
I can just feel that with a little effort, I could have a number
of brick walls come crashing down in 2013.
Connections with ‘cousins’ (& other relatives)
I’m fortunate to come from a large family! And it is still
full of Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and all the rest of the nuts
found on a large family tree. And I have reminded myself that it is important to
spend time with and cultivate relationships with living breathing members of my
family tree!
Not only are these familial relationships socially healthy they are
also a benefit to genealogy research, especially when any of the ‘relatives’
share an interest! So call up Aunt Agnes or Cousin Flo and have a cup of coffee and a chat... It's important to enjoy family while they are still around besides.... Who knows what you might find out!
Other ‘genie’ Fun-
Besides stepping up my genealogy game, getting organized, and
seeing some living family members in person, I’d also like to partake in some
other “fun” related to genealogy. The continuing education aspect of genealogy
is exciting for me! I’d love to take in some workshops and maybe get pointers
for some of the ambitions I’ve laid out above! I’m going to have to do some
further research to find out about said ‘workshops’ both ones I can visit in
person and webinars that I can partake in. Perhaps a kind reader has some
suggestions. Other ‘fun’ things that could interest me include- plan a family
reunion (long overdue, and not really so much fun), creating small abridged
genealogies to share with family, genealogy related projects (like this blog)
and travel (cemeteries, archives, museums, libraries, family members), among
many others.
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So here are my 5 point resolution plans for 2013… and we are
already 2 months into the year… and while I haven’t made leaps and bounds in any
of them…. I am well on my way!
What are your 2013 goals? Do you have an action plan to
obtain any of them? And what do you think of mine? I’d love any feedback and
suggestions & research aids in getting me there
quicker!
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