Overview of Family History Research - Revision history

Wesexon at 18:59, 13 April 2013

Wesexon — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:59:56 GMT

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	=Introduction=		=Introduction=

-	There has never been a better time to be a family historian. Recent surveys have found that [[Genealogy\|genealogy]] ranks as the second most popular hobby in the United States. These surveys conclude that approximately 73 percent of Americans report having an interest in learning more about their family history.<ref>A 2005 poll by Market Strategies, Inc. (MSI), a national research and strategic consulting firm, and [[Ancestry.com\|MyFamily.com, Inc.]], determined 73 percent of Americans are interested in discovering their family history. This figure represents a 13 percent increase over a similar Maritz Poll that was conducted in 2000, in which 60 percent of Americans said they were interested in discovering their family history. Visit http://www.ancestry.com/learn/library/article.aspx?article=4682 for details.</ref> And there are as many goals for family historians as there are individuals doing it. Some researchers are trying to find living relatives, and some are creating multimedia presentations to share at the next family reunion. Some want to publish a family history to pass on to future generations while others are studying their family’s health history. Some are doing research for clients while others are simply adding names to their new software program. At the same time, most family historians are interested in discovering their family story and preserving it for future generations. All these pursuits make up the exciting adventure that is family history.<ref>The common definition of family history is that it is the study of an entire family unit, including collateral as well as direct line descendents. The word genealogy is generally regarded as the more formal investigation of a pedigree as a branch of study, and often describes a research activity that includes only the immediate and direct line of descent. The Source, along with most current writers and presenters of the subject, chooses to use the terms interchangeably unless otherwise indicated. </ref>	+	There has never been a better time to be a family historian. Recent surveys have found that [[Genealogy\|genealogy]] ranks as the second most popular hobby in the United States. These surveys conclude that approximately 73 percent of Americans report having an interest in learning more about their family history.<ref>A 2005 poll by Market Strategies, Inc. (MSI), a national research and strategic consulting firm, and [[Ancestry.com\|MyFamily.com, Inc.]], determined 73 percent of Americans are interested in discovering their family history. This figure represents a 13 percent increase over a similar Maritz Poll that was conducted in 2000, in which 60 percent of Americans said they were interested in discovering their family history. Visit http://www.ancestry.com/learn/library/article.aspx?article=4682 for details.</ref> And there are as many goals for family historians as there are individuals doing it. Some researchers are trying to find living relatives, and some are creating multimedia presentations to share at the next family reunion. Some want to publish a [http://www.ancestry.com/ family history] to pass on to future generations while others are studying their family’s health history. Some are doing research for clients while others are simply adding names to their new software program. At the same time, most family historians are interested in discovering their family story and preserving it for future generations. All these pursuits make up the exciting adventure that is family history.<ref>The common definition of family history is that it is the study of an entire family unit, including collateral as well as direct line descendents. The word genealogy is generally regarded as the more formal investigation of a pedigree as a branch of study, and often describes a research activity that includes only the immediate and direct line of descent. The Source, along with most current writers and presenters of the subject, chooses to use the terms interchangeably unless otherwise indicated. </ref>

	This recent surge of interest, coupled with new technology, has changed the face of genealogy. Though there will always be a need to visit brick-and-mortar repositories and to search out original records, computers and the Internet have brought a convenient, inexpensive, and speedy aid to family history.		This recent surge of interest, coupled with new technology, has changed the face of genealogy. Though there will always be a need to visit brick-and-mortar repositories and to search out original records, computers and the Internet have brought a convenient, inexpensive, and speedy aid to family history.

Paulmd199: Undo revision 32541 by Paul b60 (Talk)

Paulmd199 — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 04:02:58 GMT

Undo revision 32541 by Paul b60 (Talk)

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	<references/>		<references/>
-	~~MOTHER NAME ALBERTA HAYES-BROWN BIRTH 1932 IN COFFEEVILLE, MS~~

	=External Links=		=External Links=

	*Learn more about family history with [http://learn.ancestry.com/LearnMore/Webinars.aspx Ancestry.com webinars].		*Learn more about family history with [http://learn.ancestry.com/LearnMore/Webinars.aspx Ancestry.com webinars].

Paul b60: /* References */

Paul b60 — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 04:02:15 GMT

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:02, 31 December 2012
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	<references/>		<references/>
		+	MOTHER NAME ALBERTA HAYES-BROWN BIRTH 1932 IN COFFEEVILLE, MS

	=External Links=		=External Links=

	*Learn more about family history with [http://learn.ancestry.com/LearnMore/Webinars.aspx Ancestry.com webinars].		*Learn more about family history with [http://learn.ancestry.com/LearnMore/Webinars.aspx Ancestry.com webinars].

Danbrewer at 16:56, 26 November 2011

Danbrewer — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:56:35 GMT

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	It is important to make a [[Basic Record-keeping\|tangible record]] of this knowledge on paper, disk, or audio or video tape. Keeping this information only “in your head” could likely result in forgotten or misremembered events, dates, and relationships. Make this record as detailed as possible. Although the facts may appear too recent to be of interest, your knowledge will soon be history to younger family members. As you record the information, begin with the present generation: yourself and any siblings you may have.		It is important to make a [[Basic Record-keeping\|tangible record]] of this knowledge on paper, disk, or audio or video tape. Keeping this information only “in your head” could likely result in forgotten or misremembered events, dates, and relationships. Make this record as detailed as possible. Although the facts may appear too recent to be of interest, your knowledge will soon be history to younger family members. As you record the information, begin with the present generation: yourself and any siblings you may have.

-	Your research could start with family pictures, marriage ~~License~~, funereal handouts ~~and~~ stories told by ~~your~~ elders in your family. Keep a ~~note book~~ with you at all ~~time~~ to write ~~now~~ things as it happen. While writing down your own history take pictures, ~~them~~ make a copy of the pictures that goes with the stories and ~~added~~ them to your pages. You will then see how it all ~~come~~ together with your ancestry lives. That what ~~make~~ family history fun.	+	Your research could start with family pictures, marriage licenses, funereal handouts, or the stories told by the elders in your family. Keep a notebook with you at all times to write down things as they happen. While writing down your own history, take pictures, then make a copy of the pictures that goes with the stories and add them to your pages. You will then see how it all comes together with your ancestry lives. That is what makes family history fun.

	=References=		=References=

Bebe 72: /* Start with Yourself */

Bebe 72 — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:58:28 GMT

Start with Yourself

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	=Start with Yourself=		=Start with Yourself=

-	Family history research begins with the present: family historians consider what they know about the family from first-hand experience or from the traditions and stories passed down to them. This beginning also includes identifying and cataloging items—heirlooms, documents, or other tangible items—often found in the home. Together, these research paths provide a foundation that should be returned to often for additional clues.	+	Family history research begins with the present: family historians consider what they know about the family from first-hand experience or from the traditions and stories passed down to them. This beginning also includes identifying and cataloging items—heirlooms, documents, or other tangible items—often found in the home. Together, these research paths provide a foundation that should be returned to often, for additional clues.

	==Begin with What You Know==		==Begin with What You Know==

Coravirginiawarner: /* Start with Yourself */

Coravirginiawarner — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:11:22 GMT

Start with Yourself

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:11, 17 October 2011
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	It is important to make a [[Basic Record-keeping\|tangible record]] of this knowledge on paper, disk, or audio or video tape. Keeping this information only “in your head” could likely result in forgotten or misremembered events, dates, and relationships. Make this record as detailed as possible. Although the facts may appear too recent to be of interest, your knowledge will soon be history to younger family members. As you record the information, begin with the present generation: yourself and any siblings you may have.		It is important to make a [[Basic Record-keeping\|tangible record]] of this knowledge on paper, disk, or audio or video tape. Keeping this information only “in your head” could likely result in forgotten or misremembered events, dates, and relationships. Make this record as detailed as possible. Although the facts may appear too recent to be of interest, your knowledge will soon be history to younger family members. As you record the information, begin with the present generation: yourself and any siblings you may have.
		+
		+	Your research could start with family pictures, marriage License, funereal handouts and stories told by your elders in your family. Keep a note book with you at all time to write now things as it happen. While writing down your own history take pictures, them make a copy of the pictures that goes with the stories and added them to your pages. You will then see how it all come together with your ancestry lives. That what make family history fun.

	=References=		=References=

66.43.16.199 at 22:24, 17 May 2010

66.43.16.199 — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:24:13 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:24, 17 May 2010
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	=External Links=		=External Links=

-	*Learn more about family history with [[http://learn.ancestry.com/LearnMore/Webinars.aspx\|Ancestry.com webinars]].	+	*Learn more about family history with [http://learn.ancestry.com/LearnMore/Webinars.aspx Ancestry.com webinars].

66.43.16.199 at 22:20, 17 May 2010

66.43.16.199 — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:20:13 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:20, 17 May 2010
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	=Introduction=		=Introduction=

-	There has never been a better time to be a family historian. Recent surveys have found that genealogy ranks as the second most popular hobby in the United States. These surveys conclude that approximately 73 percent of Americans report having an interest in learning more about their family history.1 And there are as many goals for family historians as there are individuals doing it. Some researchers are trying to find living relatives, and some are creating multimedia presentations to share at the next family reunion. Some want to publish a family history to pass on to future generations while others are studying their family’s health history. Some are doing research for clients while others are simply adding names to their new software program. At the same time, most family historians are interested in discovering their family story and preserving it for future generations. All these pursuits make up the exciting adventure that is family history.2	+	There has never been a better time to be a family historian. Recent surveys have found that [[Genealogy\|genealogy]] ranks as the second most popular hobby in the United States. These surveys conclude that approximately 73 percent of Americans report having an interest in learning more about their family history.<ref>A 2005 poll by Market Strategies, Inc. (MSI), a national research and strategic consulting firm, and [[Ancestry.com\|MyFamily.com, Inc.]], determined 73 percent of Americans are interested in discovering their family history. This figure represents a 13 percent increase over a similar Maritz Poll that was conducted in 2000, in which 60 percent of Americans said they were interested in discovering their family history. Visit http://www.ancestry.com/learn/library/article.aspx?article=4682 for details.</ref> And there are as many goals for family historians as there are individuals doing it. Some researchers are trying to find living relatives, and some are creating multimedia presentations to share at the next family reunion. Some want to publish a family history to pass on to future generations while others are studying their family’s health history. Some are doing research for clients while others are simply adding names to their new software program. At the same time, most family historians are interested in discovering their family story and preserving it for future generations. All these pursuits make up the exciting adventure that is family history.<ref>The common definition of family history is that it is the study of an entire family unit, including collateral as well as direct line descendents. The word genealogy is generally regarded as the more formal investigation of a pedigree as a branch of study, and often describes a research activity that includes only the immediate and direct line of descent. The Source, along with most current writers and presenters of the subject, chooses to use the terms interchangeably unless otherwise indicated. </ref>

	This recent surge of interest, coupled with new technology, has changed the face of genealogy. Though there will always be a need to visit brick-and-mortar repositories and to search out original records, computers and the Internet have brought a convenient, inexpensive, and speedy aid to family history.		This recent surge of interest, coupled with new technology, has changed the face of genealogy. Though there will always be a need to visit brick-and-mortar repositories and to search out original records, computers and the Internet have brought a convenient, inexpensive, and speedy aid to family history.
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	With heightened interest in the subject, family historians have dramatically increased the number of requests for help and research materials at libraries and archives around the world, a fact that hasn’t escaped notice of mass media publications and television broadcasts. Scarcely a day goes by that a genealogy or family history story doesn’t make the news. Because of the demand for information and services, commercial and government entities as well as genealogical groups and individuals are producing a constant stream of historical records. The good news for family historians of all interest levels is that new sources and research opportunities are becoming available every day.		With heightened interest in the subject, family historians have dramatically increased the number of requests for help and research materials at libraries and archives around the world, a fact that hasn’t escaped notice of mass media publications and television broadcasts. Scarcely a day goes by that a genealogy or family history story doesn’t make the news. Because of the demand for information and services, commercial and government entities as well as genealogical groups and individuals are producing a constant stream of historical records. The good news for family historians of all interest levels is that new sources and research opportunities are becoming available every day.

-	Taking all of these new developments into account, this ~~chapter~~ is about foundations—acquiring information about the past, evaluating what you learn, and recording and summarizing for the future—and is intended to acquaint you with the practices and procedures that successful genealogists follow. By using these guidelines you will have the tools you need to put together quality family history information and to avoid common, and sometimes costly, errors. This ~~chapter~~ discusses six foundations of family history:	+	Taking all of these new developments into account, this series is about foundations—acquiring information about the past, evaluating what you learn, and recording and summarizing for the future—and is intended to acquaint you with the practices and procedures that successful genealogists follow. By using these guidelines you will have the tools you need to put together quality family history information and to avoid common, and sometimes costly, errors. This series discusses six foundations of family history:

-	#Focus on your personal knowledge of your family by beginning with what you know and by identifying and cataloging items often found in the home.	+	#Focus on your personal knowledge of your family by beginning with what you know and by identifying and cataloging items often [[Home Sources\|found in the home]].
-	#Collaborate with others to grow your family tree by interviewing all persons who have information about the family and by using the genealogical community to expand your research.	+	#Collaborate with others to grow your family tree by [[Family History Collaboration#Interviews\|interviewing all persons]] who have information about the family and by [[Family History Collaboration#Interviews\|Network to Expand Your Research]] using the genealogical community to expand your research.
-	#Understand the technological developments in family history research, including the Internet, DNA testing, and computer programs, and how they are changing and simplifying the way family history is researched.	+	#Understand the [[Basics of Family History and Technology\|technological developments]] in family history research, including the Internet, [[Basics of DNA\|DNA testing]], and computer programs, and how they are changing and simplifying the way family history is researched.
-	#Organize and evaluate the information you obtain to avoid research duplication (and enable future generations to know your ancestors—and you).	+	#[[Evaluation and Goal Setting\|Organize and evaluate]] the information you obtain to avoid research duplication (and enable future generations to know your ancestors—and you).
-	#Position your ancestors in place and time by analyzing historical maps and written histories and other records.	+	#Position your ancestors in [[Family History in Time and Place\|place and time]] by analyzing historical maps and written histories and other records.
-	#Know how etiquette, ethics, and certain laws can impact your family history research.	+	#Know how [[Family History Etiquette, Ethics, Legalities\|etiquette, ethics, and certain laws]] can impact your family history research.

	Whether you are a family history novice or a seasoned researcher, the recent technological advances, vast variety and availability of records and information, and online resources make reviewing these family history foundations a helpful exercise. Soon you will embark on one of the most remarkable and compelling journeys of your life: the reconstruction and preservation of your own family’s history.		Whether you are a family history novice or a seasoned researcher, the recent technological advances, vast variety and availability of records and information, and online resources make reviewing these family history foundations a helpful exercise. Soon you will embark on one of the most remarkable and compelling journeys of your life: the reconstruction and preservation of your own family’s history.
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	Some family historians tend to overlook their family’s collateral lines (those lines that do not include direct ancestors). Going back to what you know about collateral lines could help you break down research blocks in direct family lines. Another suggestion is to continue to record the weddings, births, deaths, and other milestones of the current generations. Never become so focused on the deceased that the living are neglected.		Some family historians tend to overlook their family’s collateral lines (those lines that do not include direct ancestors). Going back to what you know about collateral lines could help you break down research blocks in direct family lines. Another suggestion is to continue to record the weddings, births, deaths, and other milestones of the current generations. Never become so focused on the deceased that the living are neglected.

-	It is important to make a tangible record of this knowledge on paper, disk, or audio or video tape. Keeping this information only “in your head” could likely result in forgotten or misremembered events, dates, and relationships. Make this record as detailed as possible. Although the facts may appear too recent to be of interest, your knowledge will soon be history to younger family members. As you record the information, begin with the present generation: yourself and any siblings you may have.	+	It is important to make a [[Basic Record-keeping\|tangible record]] of this knowledge on paper, disk, or audio or video tape. Keeping this information only “in your head” could likely result in forgotten or misremembered events, dates, and relationships. Make this record as detailed as possible. Although the facts may appear too recent to be of interest, your knowledge will soon be history to younger family members. As you record the information, begin with the present generation: yourself and any siblings you may have.

	=References=		=References=

-	~~Coming soon...~~	+	<references/>

	=External Links=		=External Links=
		+
		+	*Learn more about family history with [[http://learn.ancestry.com/LearnMore/Webinars.aspx\|Ancestry.com webinars]].

Matrayback at 17:29, 5 April 2010

Matrayback — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:29:53 GMT

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	{{Template:Basics series (The Source)}}		{{Template:Basics series (The Source)}}
	'''This article originally appeared in "The Foundations of Family History Research" by [[Sandra Hargreaves Luebking]], FUGA, and [[Loretto Dennis Szucs]], FUGA in ''[[The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy]]'''''		'''This article originally appeared in "The Foundations of Family History Research" by [[Sandra Hargreaves Luebking]], FUGA, and [[Loretto Dennis Szucs]], FUGA in ''[[The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy]]'''''
		+
		+	=Introduction=

	There has never been a better time to be a family historian. Recent surveys have found that genealogy ranks as the second most popular hobby in the United States. These surveys conclude that approximately 73 percent of Americans report having an interest in learning more about their family history.1 And there are as many goals for family historians as there are individuals doing it. Some researchers are trying to find living relatives, and some are creating multimedia presentations to share at the next family reunion. Some want to publish a family history to pass on to future generations while others are studying their family’s health history. Some are doing research for clients while others are simply adding names to their new software program. At the same time, most family historians are interested in discovering their family story and preserving it for future generations. All these pursuits make up the exciting adventure that is family history.2		There has never been a better time to be a family historian. Recent surveys have found that genealogy ranks as the second most popular hobby in the United States. These surveys conclude that approximately 73 percent of Americans report having an interest in learning more about their family history.1 And there are as many goals for family historians as there are individuals doing it. Some researchers are trying to find living relatives, and some are creating multimedia presentations to share at the next family reunion. Some want to publish a family history to pass on to future generations while others are studying their family’s health history. Some are doing research for clients while others are simply adding names to their new software program. At the same time, most family historians are interested in discovering their family story and preserving it for future generations. All these pursuits make up the exciting adventure that is family history.2

Matrayback: Created page with 'Category:The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy {{Template:Basics series (The Source)}} '''This article originally appeared in "The Foundations of Family History Resea…'

Matrayback — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:29:29 GMT

Created page with 'Category:The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy {{Template:Basics series (The Source)}} '''This article originally appeared in "The Foundations of Family History Resea…'

New page

[[Category:The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy]]
{{Template:Basics series (The Source)}}
'''This article originally appeared in "The Foundations of Family History Research" by [[Sandra Hargreaves Luebking]], FUGA, and [[Loretto Dennis Szucs]], FUGA in ''[[The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy]]'''''

There has never been a better time to be a family historian. Recent surveys have found that genealogy ranks as the second most popular hobby in the United States. These surveys conclude that approximately 73 percent of Americans report having an interest in learning more about their family history.1 And there are as many goals for family historians as there are individuals doing it. Some researchers are trying to find living relatives, and some are creating multimedia presentations to share at the next family reunion. Some want to publish a family history to pass on to future generations while others are studying their family’s health history. Some are doing research for clients while others are simply adding names to their new software program. At the same time, most family historians are interested in discovering their family story and preserving it for future generations. All these pursuits make up the exciting adventure that is family history.2

This recent surge of interest, coupled with new technology, has changed the face of genealogy. Though there will always be a need to visit brick-and-mortar repositories and to search out original records, computers and the Internet have brought a convenient, inexpensive, and speedy aid to family history.

With heightened interest in the subject, family historians have dramatically increased the number of requests for help and research materials at libraries and archives around the world, a fact that hasn’t escaped notice of mass media publications and television broadcasts. Scarcely a day goes by that a genealogy or family history story doesn’t make the news. Because of the demand for information and services, commercial and government entities as well as genealogical groups and individuals are producing a constant stream of historical records. The good news for family historians of all interest levels is that new sources and research opportunities are becoming available every day.

Taking all of these new developments into account, this chapter is about foundations—acquiring information about the past, evaluating what you learn, and recording and summarizing for the future—and is intended to acquaint you with the practices and procedures that successful genealogists follow. By using these guidelines you will have the tools you need to put together quality family history information and to avoid common, and sometimes costly, errors. This chapter discusses six foundations of family history:

#Focus on your personal knowledge of your family by beginning with what you know and by identifying and cataloging items often found in the home.
#Collaborate with others to grow your family tree by interviewing all persons who have information about the family and by using the genealogical community to expand your research.
#Understand the technological developments in family history research, including the Internet, DNA testing, and computer programs, and how they are changing and simplifying the way family history is researched.
#Organize and evaluate the information you obtain to avoid research duplication (and enable future generations to know your ancestors—and you).
#Position your ancestors in place and time by analyzing historical maps and written histories and other records.
#Know how etiquette, ethics, and certain laws can impact your family history research.

Whether you are a family history novice or a seasoned researcher, the recent technological advances, vast variety and availability of records and information, and online resources make reviewing these family history foundations a helpful exercise. Soon you will embark on one of the most remarkable and compelling journeys of your life: the reconstruction and preservation of your own family’s history.

=Start with Yourself=

Family history research begins with the present: family historians consider what they know about the family from first-hand experience or from the traditions and stories passed down to them. This beginning also includes identifying and cataloging items—heirlooms, documents, or other tangible items—often found in the home. Together, these research paths provide a foundation that should be returned to often for additional clues.

==Begin with What You Know==

Genealogy how-to guides and courses advise beginners to start with themselves and move backward in time. But this step-by-step approach is good advice for seasoned family historians as well. Those who have done a good amount of research will find an occasional review of traditions, names, or other information useful. Details that seemed inconsequential early in their investigation assume great importance when combined with the more recent research. For newcomers, the process of beginning with ones’ self and acquiring the documents that firmly link them to their parents before researching grandparents or earlier generations, will provide a strong foundation that will focus the research and keep it accurate.

Some family historians tend to overlook their family’s collateral lines (those lines that do not include direct ancestors). Going back to what you know about collateral lines could help you break down research blocks in direct family lines. Another suggestion is to continue to record the weddings, births, deaths, and other milestones of the current generations. Never become so focused on the deceased that the living are neglected.

It is important to make a tangible record of this knowledge on paper, disk, or audio or video tape. Keeping this information only “in your head” could likely result in forgotten or misremembered events, dates, and relationships. Make this record as detailed as possible. Although the facts may appear too recent to be of interest, your knowledge will soon be history to younger family members. As you record the information, begin with the present generation: yourself and any siblings you may have.

=References=

Coming soon...

=External Links=