Beginner's Genealogical Organizational Handout by Hazel Bentley

•     Today

•     Now is the time to Organize your files.

 

•     Sort

•     Set aside a block of time and someplace where you can spread out.

•     Gather and sort by surname, topic, location.

•     The more stacks the easier to find.

•     It really becomes easier as it is broken down into smaller stacks.

•     Then work on one surname stack at a time.

•     It is easier to put into file folders with labels at this point.  

 

•     Whether you use binders or file folders is not important. It is important to be able to change and adapt to what works for you.

•     This is what I do:   Demonstration

 

•     The next binder is labeled on the end the chart number and ancestor number on that line.

•     Also on the end are the surnames of the ancestors within the book.

•     On the front is a pedigree sheet.

•     Inside is another 31 sheet.

•     These are my Ancestor Binders

 

•     Other binders and/or folders you can have are for information.

•     States

•     Countries

•     Articles about how and where to search.

 

•     File Folders

•     Surname.

•     Surname by locality. Start with state then counties in the state.

•     Maps of the area.

•     On the map of the state I put the surname in the county.  

•     If the family stayed in one area a long time you could extend your folders to label Surname, locality, and type of record (land records.)                              

•     General information could include notes of surname with no orgin or place. 

•     Kept in small bins so I can pull the whole group and I have everything on that surname with my binder. As I search or print copies I can make notes on the copy and then file it appropriately

•     Remember to write on the copy the Surname, date, and source.

•     Use a yellow highlighter to highlight pertinent information.

 

•     Forms

•     Research log with columns for:

•     Date of Search: Location: Source: Comments:

•     Correspondence Log with columns for:

•     Date: Address: Info Requested: Info rec’d

•     Spiral Binder to take with you for note taking. I have one for each family that I am working on. It is easy to make columns on the lined pages if you are looking at marriage records or cemetery records. It cuts down copies from the copy machine. Don’t forget to put the source with each set of information.