R E S E A R C H   G U I D A N C E

A Guide to Research
   

Table of Contents
Why Family History?
Introduction
     Purpose
     Records At The Family History Library
     Services And Resources
     Research Process
1. Identify What You Know About Your Family
     Fill Out A Pedigree Chart And Family Group Record
     Gather Additional Information
     Organize Your Records
2. Decide What You Want To Learn About Your Family
     Select An Ancestor
     Select A Research Question
     Prepare A Research Log
3. Select Records To Search
     Identify A Record Category
     Compiled Records
     Original Records
     Choose A Record Type
     Select Specific Records To Search
     Describe The Records On Your Research Log
4. Obtain And Search The Record
     Obtain The Record
     Search The Record
     Record The Results
5. Use The Information
     Evaluate The Information
     Transfer The Information
     Organize Your Records
     Share Information
     Repeat The Process
Additional
     Indexing Of Records
     Other Services
     Library Rules
Selecting Record Types

1. IDENTIFY WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR FAMILY


FILL OUT A PEDIGREE CHART AND FAMILY GROUP RECORD

Recall as much information as you can about yourself and your family members. Record what you know on pedigree chartsLook this term up in the glossary. and family group recordsLook this term up in the glossary.. Estimate dates and places if necessary.

Write names as: Benjamin BLAKE
Write dates as: 12 Mar. 1815
Write places as: Blandford, Dorset, England

A pedigree chart provides space to record information on four generations: yourself, your parents, your grandparents, and your great-grandparents.

A family group record provides space to record information about the parents and children of a family. You can also record the source of your information. Fill out a family group record for each couple on your pedigree chart.

If you do not have a pedigree chart or family group record, you can use the ones in the back of this guide. Family group records and pedigree charts are also available for purchase.

Click here to view and print a family group sheet.


GATHER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you need more information, you may want to gather information from sources in your home or from a relative. Look for journals; scrapbooks; old letters; family BiblesLook this term up in the glossary.; copies of birthLook this term up in the glossary., marriageLook this term up in the glossary., and deathLook this term up in the glossary. certificates; photographs; school records; military recordsLook this term up in the glossary.; obituariesLook this term up in the glossary.; deedsLook this term up in the glossary.; and willsLook this term up in the glossary.. Record on your pedigree chart and family group record any new information you find.

You may want to keep notes about your family history on a separate sheet of paper. These notes could be biographical information such as military service; education; social or economic status; migrations; participation in community, social, religious, or historical events; or physical descriptions.


ORGANIZE YOUR RECORDS

Organize your records for easy access (see step 5 for suggestions on organizing).

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[FamilySearchTM: Research Guidance
Version of Data: 6/8/2001]