The Prequel: Basics First, Research Later

Is This Your Experience?  A person gives you two pieces of paper, saying “Fill these out.” –You find out later that the papers are Pedigree Chart and Family Group Forum.  And you think: –“What am I supposed to write”? –“Where do I write it?” –“What do the letters B, M and D mean?”

Or, This Experience?  A helper sits at a computer and asks you a few questions about your family. She starts typing, then says, “You’re in luck. I found your family.” –She prints a paper with lines and text on it and gives it to you.  You think, “Nice, but what am I supposed to do with it”?  What’s the difference between “genealogy” and “family history” anyway?

Definitions  The word Genealogy and the words Family History refer to the same activity.  Some think: –Genealogy means being an expert in doing it. –Family History includes everyone.  What do you think?

Take a look here:  Three Today we will talk about: –Curiosity Suggestions to increase your interest. –Mentoring Suggestions for finding someone to help you. –Learning Ways to increase your knowledge.

Curiosity  Do you want to search for your family? No? –What reasons do you have?  Are you interested in: –Hearing family memories? –Seeing what older family looked like? –Passing along what you find to your family?

Increase Your Interest  Will these ideas help? –Interview an older relative. Ask: How did you meet your spouse? What was best about the house you lived in? How did you get to in high school? –Play a guessing game. Find interesting facts about a family member. Write questions to match.  Do you have other ideas?

Mentoring  Can you do everything and anything in genealogy? No one knows everything there is to know!  What can you do? –Ask questions. –Practice. –Get help from someone.  A mentor is someone who knows more than you do, and is willing to teach you.

Ask for Help  Here are a couple ways to find a mentor or tutor. –Ask for help from a friend who does family history. –Ask in the family history center for someone who can tutor you.  What other ways can you get help?

Learning  How do you learn? –Read articles about specific subjects. –Study books on the subject. –Participate in an intern program. –Trial and error.  What other ways can you learn?

Ways to Learn  Internet. A few are: – – – –  Magazines or books.  Genealogy teachers.  What other ways can you learn?

The Beginning of a Great Adventure  A final suggestion: –Avoid doing it all at once. –It can be overwhelming. –Do a little at a time.  Remember, –You started at the beginning in everything you’ve done, It took time, and this will take time.