Engaging in genealogical research requires a commitment of time, energy, and resources. Along the way, we may invest in travel, subscribe to web sites, buy books, establish relationships and more, as we devote ourselves to unraveling the mysteries and connections of our families.
One aspect of genealogy that many hobbyists do not make a serious commitment to is the unavoidable task of systematically recording and organizing their findings. As Val Greenwood explains in Chapter Seven of The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy. 4th Edition, every genealogist should establish a simple system of note keeping that facilitates the compiling, assembly, and preservation of one’s research. As he explains in considerable detail, that system should incorporate a method of note taking, record keeping and documentation; organization; a research log; avoiding duplication; the facility for recall; and more. As the author points out, an organized genealogist is an efficient one, and he/she is far less likely to duplicate or lose important information.
Following are the opening pages of Chapter Seven, “Organizing and Evaluating Your Research Findings.” It might just make the difference in your genealogy.
