Here we are again. Did you think about the questions from last week? Are you doing genealogy or family history? My experience has been that most people just use the term genealogy to mean all of it. As long as you know what you are trying to do…that is the most important thing. 

Now, did you find your “why?” Maybe it is to tell the story that someone wants to be told or maybe it is to finally answer some of those truths about our family stories. Again, it is your journey and your story. I just suggest that your have your “why” clearly in front of you.

So, what is next? From the beginning we need a plan for how we are going to organize all of our information, artifacts, documents, etc. A common theme you will hear in my tips is, “find your own way.” With that said, it helps to have some options rather than just randomly creating files and piles and boxes of “stuff.” In today’s world it could mean organizing in files digitally on your computer, on flash drives or in the cloud. It could be in notebooks and files in a cabinet, or on pedigree charts or family trees that are paper and pencil or on the computer.

When I taught high school classes, we talked about making choices/decisions based on our “current level of awareness.” That just means in this case that we make choices about how we want to organize based on the options we are aware of, what options we know how to do and what we are reasonably comfortable with. If I don’t like computers, doing everything digitally may not be my “cup-of-tea” so to speak. However, as I learn more about how to use various tools and what methods are available, I may change my mind because my “current level of awareness” has now changed.

I used to keep everything in binders and folders based on my 4 grandparent surnames. They were and still are, color coded. I soon realized that printing all the documents, photos, etc was expensive and there might be another way. What did I do? I created binders and folders that were color coded on my computer. I currently keep notes in the physical binders and download documents that I use to the binders and folders on the computer always (almost) documenting where they came from (but that is a tip for later).

I think this is enough to think about for now. We haven’t gotten into online or paper and pencil pedigree charts or whether to build a stand-a-lone family tree just on your computer. Next time!

In the meantime, how are you currently organizing your genealogy? How do you keep everything clear in your head, and desk, so that you don’t repeat research, look at the same documents over and over because you forgot where you left off or what you found? How much space for storage do you have or want to use? What is your style?

Happy organizing!
Heidi Geise
HQRL Education Coordinator
education@hqrl.com