More and more unindexed records are going online every day. When was the last time you looked to see what was “new?”
Monthly Archives: April 2010
Geography is Three-Dimensional
“Low is south and high is north.” It was the essence of a misunderstanding another genealogist and I had. I referred to my “low-German” ancestors and she thought they lived in the southern part of Germany, perhaps because that was “lower” on the map. In this case, the “lower” part of Germany is near the sea.
Are you interpreting things correctly?
And remember, geography is three dimensional.
It is not all digital
Just remember that not every source genealogists use is online. Many books and materials have been digitized, but many have not. Make certain your search also includes materials that are only available in their original format.
Don’t Forget the State Archives
You ancestor could easily appear in records in the state archives for the state where he or she lived. Sometimes we forget that states kept records too. In some cases the State Archives may copies of county records as well. Make certain you have included the State Archives in your searching.
Want to Join Michael in Salt Lake this May?
Anyone who wants to join me in Salt Lake at the Family History Library in late May…check out my group trip page:
Do You Know Your Geography?
Do you really know the geography of the area in which you are working, or are you “working” from assumptions?
Best to get maps, modern and contemporary, just to be certain.
What is the front and what is the back?
If you are using any reproductions of original documents, be it microfilm, digital images, or photocopies, do you know what images came from the same piece of paper?
It is not always clear what “front” should be paired with what “back.” And sometimes it makes a huge difference in how you analyze documents.
Proof Yourself
Are you doublechecking information as you enter it into your genealogical database? Are you making certain those transcriptions are done correctly, word for word?
Are you proving every relationship as best you can?
You should have some documentation, or at least a verifiable reason for every relationship between two individuals in your database.
“Thinking they are related” isn’t a reason.
Upcoming Speaking Engagements
I will be making the following presentations at the following upcoming conferences/workshops over the next several months:
Topeka Genealogy Society Seminar, 24 April 2010
- The Oft-Married Sarah
- Female Ancestors: After the Marriage
- Barbara’s Beaus and Gesche’s Girls
- Widows Denied-Pensions for Widows and What they Can Tell You
Southern California Family History Jamboree, 11-13 June 2010
- Restacking the Blocks: Organizing Your Information
- From New Jersey to Ohio: Establishing an Early Nineteenth Century Migration Trail
- Pig Blood in the Snow: Court Records Can Solve Problems
Family History Expos-Loveland, Colorado 25 & 26 June 2010
- Searching Tips and Tricks
- Where Did the Farm Go
- Where Do I Go From Here?
- Restacking the Blocks: Organizing Your Information
Cleveland, Oklahoma Summer Seminar, 24 July 2010
- Using Probate Manuals and State Statute
- Barbara, Nancy and Antje-Three Midwestern Women and Their Records
- Pig Blood in the Snow-Court Records Can Solve Problems
- Organizing Your Information
More workshops seminars will be announced as they approach and as they are scheduled. If you are in the area, please consider attending! And if you’d like to bring me to your seminar or workshop, please contact me at mjnrootdig@gmail.com for details.
Thanks!