In my last blog post we talked through how to begin the genealogical research process. I hope you have found that blog helpful! If you haven’t already read it, I encourage you to scroll back and read through it. Especially if you haven’t started researching yet. Today’s post will cover how to help you organize the sources, goals, and other information you will gather as you continue you research process. The three strategies or steps we’ll go over today is what supplies you’ll need, organizational system ideas, and research logs.
As you are researching your various ancestors you might begin to build quite a collection of physical records. These might include such records as we’ve discussed previously like “vital records” and other personal records of your ancestors like photos. It is important to gather supplies that will help you preserve these records. I recommend the use of three ring binders and archival-safe sheet protectors. How you organize these binders is entirely up to you. Remember that you are the one that will be accessing them the most! However, if you are finding it difficult to brainstorm an organizational system that might work best for you, I will cover two general methods to hopefully help you narrow down what type of option would fit your needs and sense of order.
Choosing an organizational system to store the records you find in your research does not have to be complicated. Two general methods you might want to consider using are color coding and numbering system. Color coding is a popular method. You can use a color code to coordinate what documents are what, whom they belong too, etc. Something wonderful about this method is that you can use the same color code to link digital files and folders to match your paper files. For example, you could color code vital records for an individual green and have a green physical file and green colored digital file, allowing you to store information in a green folder no matter the format of the record. This will make it easier for you to find that information more quickly in the future. If you are not a fan of color coding you can always try a numbering system, categorizing records using a combination of number and letter tags. This might be a wonderful method for you if you want a something more established in the field as there is a standard genealogical numbering system.
The last thing I would love to draw your attention to is research logs. Research logs are an important organizational tool that are often overlooked. You can begin a research log by first writing out your research plan, goals, and steps you will take to accomplish them. Then as you research log what you do at the end of each session. Having this log to refer to will ultimately help you maximize the time you have to research by allowing you to jump right into a task instead of spending precious time trying to figure out where you last left off.
I hope that these steps, and tips will help you continue to navigate your genealogical research journey. If you at all have any questions remember to check out my longer form content under the webinars tab located on this same website. If you have any questions that I haven’t answered in previous blogs or webinars, please feel free to contact me. My contact information can be located at the top of this website. Thank you for reading and I wish you well as you continue to build your trees’.
Winona I Laird
The Genealogy Granny
