The objective of this course is to teach you how to manage your genealogical project.
If you recall, during Methodology - Part 1: Getting Started and Methodology - Part 2: Organizing and Skill-Building we reminded you often that there are many ways to approach your genealogical project. We also made you aware that there are many ways of getting yourself organized; what is important is to choose a system that works for you.
Methodology - Part 3: More Strategies and Methodology - Part 4: Effective Searching and Recording continue from the first two basic methodology courses, providing you with different methods of managing your genealogical project.
Methodology - Part 3: More Strategies will consist of an intensive study of the types of information and how to gather it. We shall look at how to organize this information, the research process, and even your genealogical office. Strategies for planning your project and for using original records complete the course.
Methodology - Part 4: Effective Searching and Recording deals with what to look for in the main sources and how to record it. We then discuss the many methods of synthesizing your research results for presentation and preservation.
One student’s experience:
To hear a student discussion regarding their experience with this course, please click here. (This is a large file and may take a minute or two to download.)
Course Content
Module 1
More Strategies!
Introduction
Definitions
• Genealogy & Family History
• Abbreviations Used in Family History
Six Steps To Success
Step 1: Defining Your Goals
• Goals
• Specific Objectives
• End Product
• Points to Ponder
Module 2
Six Steps To Success…Continued
Step 2: Learning The Basics
Types of Information & Tips on Gathering It
• Gathering Oral Information
• After the Interview
• Gathering Written Information
• Gathering Visual Information
• Gathering Artefacts
Storage of Archival Materials
• Do Not do Anything That is Not Reversible
• Protect from Damage by Light, Heat, Dirt, Handling & Chemicals
• Care of Heritage Fabrics
• Storage of Oral Information
• Storage of Written Information
• Storage of Visual Information
• Storage of Artefacts
Module 3
Six Steps To Success…Continued
Step 2: Learning the Basics…Continued
Organizing Your Information
Getting Organized
Organization of Facts (Data)
• Computers
• Card indexes
• File Folders
• Indexed Binders
Organization of Oral Information
Organization of Written Information
Organization of DNA Research
Organization of Visual Information
Organization of Artefacts
Organizing Your Home Base
• At Your Desk
• In Your Office
• Note on Computer Back-ups
• Building a Basic Library
• Finding Supplies
Module 4
Six Steps To Success…Continued
Organizing the Research Process
Office Procedures
• Dealing with Incoming Paperwork
• Dealing with Family History/Genealogy Society Journals & Magazines
• Research Log
• Multi-Purpose Number Sheet
Numbering Systems
Relationships
Lists of Ancestral Names & Places
Calculating An Exact Birth Date
Knowing Your Repositories
• Government Departments
• Public Libraries
• Local History Libraries & Archives
• University Libraries
• Archives, County Record Offices & County Courthouses
• Ethnic Organizations & Embassies
• Specialist Libraries: Religious, Armed Forces & Occupational
• Family History Centers & Affiliate Libraries
• The Internet
• Family History & Genealogy Societies
Knowing Your Sources
• Background Information
• Geographical Tools
• Historical Tools
• Methodology Tools
• Family Tools
• Finding Aids
Module 5
Six Steps To Success…Continued
Step 3: Deciding on Strategies for Research
• Planning Your Project
• Deduction, Assumption and Hypotheses
• The Danger of Undefined Assumptions
• Making Hypotheses from Facts, Estimates & Deduction
• Standard Set of Estimates
• Testing the Hypothesis
• Pedigree Analysis
• Research Ideas Log and Research Log
Hiring Professional Genealogists
What Do I Take with Me? The Research Briefcase
• Other Ideas
• Efficient Use of Time
Module 6
Six Steps To Success…Continued
Step 3: Deciding on Strategies for Research…Continued
Sources & Information
Sources
• Original Sources
• Derivative Sources
• Authored Narrative
Information
• Primary Information
• Secondary Information
• Undetermined
Summary
Using Family Sources
Strategy for Genealogical Research (Research Plan)
Reasons & Strategies for Using the Original Sources
• Using Civil Registration/Vital Statistics/Vital Records
• Using Censuses
• Using Parish & Other Church Registers/Records
• Using Probate
• Using Land Records
Where to Find the Sources
• Finding Family Sources
• Finding Civil Registration/Vital Statistics/Vital Records
• Finding Censuses
• Finding Parish & Other Church Registers/Records
• Finding Probate
• Finding Land Records
• Finding Other Sources
Recommended Reading & Resources
Appendix
• Useful Forms
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