Gibson's Genealogy 'Favorite's' Page
Last updated:
09/05/2005
How I try to do genealogy research:
Keep all your research in a 3-ring binder(s), organized as you see fit.
Start with asking all your living relatives questions about your ancestry. Once you really see that you are into it, let everyone know by whatever means possible, that you are looking for family history.
Make copies of everything. Especially pictures.
Consider saving all your information on your computer, and sending it out every Christmas or holiday via CD or DVD. This ends up making sure your information is backed up as well.
Keep all correspondence, even though it may not seem related to your research. Early on I threw out too much.
Consider buying a genealogy tool. I like Family Tree Maker, but there are lots of good ones out there. Be sure to learn the software and put your "sources" in it.
Consider getting a subscription to www.ancestry.com, and then you can research US and other countries census records. Your local LDS church will typically allow you to borrow their computers to do your research.
Contact the local public library of the area. I find the local library to be your most important source of information. Read thru their policies of genealogy research. Call or mail them, and give all the details you know.
Consider researching in person. Make it your vacation. I have done this, and it's been fun. But do your homework first.
Consider putting your information on your personal web page. Makes for easy reference and allows your siblings and/or family to view your research. I have done this, and what seems to happen a lot is that people email you questions of people on your outer most leaves of your tree. I save those emails, under their researched SURNAME, Smitz for example, and if anyone else asks me about Smitz, then I refer them to the original Smitz researcher.
Keep ALL your information on LIVING relatives PRIVATE. Be sure to NOT list any Social Security Numbers.
Remember that the 1890 census was mostly destroyed in a fire.
For some reason most railroad records were not saved.
Asking for SSN application for relatives living in the 1900's is very informative.
NARA can provide a lot of information on any war veteran. Can be done online or not. To order online at NARA you have to register first. Be sure to order the Complete Pension file for $37. https://eservices.archives.gov/orderonline/start.swe?SWECmd=Start
Always be patient, friendly and kind to all fellow researchers. Especially the rude ones.
Share your information, try to have some fun with it.
Always try to get more than one source confirming your information.
Never give up. Always sit back and re-review your notes, emails and rethink what you have, and don't have. Never rush.
If you subscribe to SURNAME email groups, try to answer some questions that are out there.
Don't trust someone else's research. Don't discount it either, but at least try to verify it. Everyone makes mistakes.
Keep a Book or Journal on your research. Ever notice how little we know of our ancestry? Let the future know about you and your family. Make it narrative. Don't forget to list the research that became a dead end. May help future family historians. For example, some in my family thought we might be related to the "Gibson Girls" of the 1920-30's.
I don't recommend spending money in hiring a certified genealogist. With the internet and mail, you really can do this yourself.
I find researching ship lists, Ireland and Netherlands impossible. Good luck there.
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