Identify What You Already Know

Why write things down?
Island people have excellent memories for information. But, memories can fade and old people can die. Writing makes it possible for others to see and read our information without our being there to tell it, even after we are gone.

What to write
1. Write down your own names and the names of family members who are living.

2. Write the names you remember of ancestors who are dead. Family group records and pedigree charts and research logs are forms you can use for this, when you are ready. Until then, any piece of paper will do.

3. Make notes about your own life, your parents, brothers and sisters, your spouse, and your children.


 * Write notes of what you know about your grand parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and others you were raised with or who helped to raise you. This will be of great value later on as you continue with your family history efforts. Do this a little at a time, making notes as you go along.
 * Write what you know about where people in your family lived.
 * Where did they live when they were born, when they were growing up, married, died, or when other important events happened in their lives?
 * If there is a story connected with the information, write it down. If there is a historical event that affected the lives of your ancestors, include it in your writing.

Table of Contents
1 Use Appropriate Forms


 * 1.1 Computer Programs for Generating Forms
 * 1.2 Family Group Record
 * 1.3 Pedigree Chart
 * 1.4 Prepare a Research Log
 * 1.5 Suggestions for Recording Information

2 Recall Information


 * 2.1 Types of Genealogical Information

3 Gather Family Information


 * 3.1 Family Records
 * 3.2 Family Traditions
 * 3.3 Family Memorabilia
 * 3.4 How to Gather Family Information
 * 3.5 Requesting Additional Information from Your Family

4 Gather Low-Hanging-Fruit Sources


 * 4.1 Online databases
 * 4.2 Family histories
 * 4.3 County, town, and village histories.
 * 4.4 Censuses.

5 Record Useful Information

6 Organize Your Records

Related Content

 * Start Family History by Writing What Is Known
 * Family group record: roadmap for researchers
 * Identify What You Know
 * Document AS YOU GO!