Frustrated by a lack of progress in my research today I took a moment to try to figure out exactly what had contributed to that feeling of discouragement. We all have those days – our research seems to hit a brick wall almost immediately and we can’t find a way around it. We’re not finding … Continue reading Prepare to Search: Lessons in Avoiding Wasted Research Time
Category: Methodology
You’ve Watched the Webinar. Now What?
Today the Board for Certification of Genealogists presented a series of educational webinars, hosted by Legacy Family Tree, on a variety of topics. The information was excellent, with many notes taken and the downloaded syllabi added substantially to my ‘to read’ list. Webinars are excellent ways to add to our genealogical education. Each week there … Continue reading You’ve Watched the Webinar. Now What?
Tracking a Family with City Directories and Voter Registration Indexes
City Directories and Voter Registration indexes can supplement our research and help track individuals over time and place. They are both often overlooked as a source of genealogical information. To illustrate the use of City Directories and Voter Registration records let’s use the McNelly family of San Francisco, California. At first glance, the information I … Continue reading Tracking a Family with City Directories and Voter Registration Indexes
Research Plans, Mind Maps and a Case Study
You’re excited to start researching one of your ancestors. You jump in but soon find yourself following those BSOs (Bright Shiny Objects) down many different paths. At the end of 2 hours you have little to show for your effort. This is where a Research Plan can come in handy. What is a Research Plan? … Continue reading Research Plans, Mind Maps and a Case Study
‘I can trace my tree back to Adam and Eve’ and other things NOT to expect when starting your genealogy
It's Back to School and over at Little Bytes of Life Elizabeth O’Neal is asking what we think our students need to learn. Elizabeth states that our "students" could be: genealogists of any level, from brand-new to advanced, children and/or teens, genealogy bloggers, disinterested family members who roll their eyes when you talk about genealogy even … Continue reading ‘I can trace my tree back to Adam and Eve’ and other things NOT to expect when starting your genealogy
Social History Resources: Why I love to use them!
This month’s Genealogy Blog Potluck Picnic hosted by Little Bites of Life really got me thinking. A favorite genealogical resource? I have so many! I couldn’t pick just one so I went with a subject that I love and that is using social history to add flesh to the bones of our ancestors. It’s one … Continue reading Social History Resources: Why I love to use them!
KindredPast 