1. Getting Organized Genealogy Workshop MHSA October 200

2. Principles Matrushka Inclusive & mutually exclusive Keep things general, unless bigger than 2 creases or naturally divides into subsections Order (chrono, alpha, or…) Match paper & electronic files

3. Computer File Names Demands of Software (extensions) Implications of sort order Keeping organized – add filename to document Keep versatile - don’t use punctuation or gaps

4. Preservation Considerations Temperature (18-19C) / Relative Humidity (35-40%) Changes Contact with acid-sharing items (fingers, saliva, manila folders, cardboard boxes, plywood glue) Make copies for use (scan, photograph, copy); backup; & preserve originals Rehouse originals as affordable & possible Limitations of e-formats Scanning standards: Preservation: *.tif 300 dpi Sharing: *.jpg 200 dpi (photos), *.gif 72 dpi (docs)

5. Common Folder Categories ASSETS Appliances House (insurance, purchase documents, repair records) Car (insurance, purchase documents, repair records) Investments (see Finances) FAMILY HISTORY (see more) FINANCES HEALTH LEGAL House Car Household Members PETS (medical records, insurance, registrations) WARANTEES

7. This Or this?

8. Family History Folder ANALYSES/PLANS/STRATEGIES Alpha by surname of correspondent.. or Alpha by surname of family.. or Chronologically (most recent on top).. or Record # / RIN / BK # CORRESPONDENCE Could have subcategories acc/to recipient/sender DATA EVENTS IMAGES (PHOTOS, SCANS) REPORTS / PRINTOUTS / CHARTS

9. Doing It! Inventory what you have Look for potential nesting patterns Look for items that won’t fit – then make a rule for them Start organizing the items Make paper/electronic matches Stick to it!