Home >> Collecting >> Other Collecting

How to Organize Your Genealogy Records

Genealogy is a hobby in which one can easily get lost for hours--even days. However, without a good organizational system, you are going to find yourself doing the same research over and over. Your system--depending on your personal preferences--can be a paper system, using files and folders for everything and everyone, or it could utilize technology and use a program like Family Tree Maker.

Instructions

- 1
  Fill out Pedigree Charts on your ancestral line. A Pedigree Chart will also set up your numbering. You are No. 1. Your father would be No. 2 and your mother is No. 3. Your paternal grandparents are Nos. 4 and 5. Your maternal grandparents would be No. 6 and No. 7. And the lineage continues backwards. Most pedigree charts are five generation charts. These charts can help visualize your direct lineal ancestors.
- 2
  Keep Family Group Sheets and Individual Work Sheets on every member of your family. Code the worksheets by the head of the household. Although aunts and uncles and cousins will be shown on these worksheets, remember only direct lineal ancestors will have a coded numeral.
- 3
  Keep a miscellaneous file box for items pertaining to your surname but not necessarily a known ancestor yet.

Other Collecting