Genealogy Tip 19: Conduct detailed and exhaustive research.
Being a history researcher comes with the need to learn and understand how to research records, find the key information and develop a plan that will take you to all available information. Through the years, I have had the pleasure of conducting historical and genealogy research throughout the United States and Europe. Every time I conduct research in a new location, I feel like I have to learn/relearn how to conduct historical research. Why? I need to learn where the records are kept, what is available, develop a plan of how to research this location and so much more. I have written a series of Genealogy Tips to introduce you to what I consider to be the most foundational skills I use over and over. In this article, I want to share Genealogy Tip 19: Detailed and Exhaustive Research.
Genealogy Tip Series
Click on an of the following Genealogy Tips to be taken to the article.
Genealogy Tip 19: Detailed and Exhaustive Research
Use all appropriate finding aids and sources, recognizing that differences exist in each history and genealogy record. One of my favorite places to start is FamilySearch.com. To be thorough, examine each record or record set for flaws, quirks, and strengths. As you identify information, create a complete citation, noting the source of information and when you accessed it. Look for clues, placing all new information into a geographic and legal context. You will extract as much relevant information from that source as possible, looking for crucial details that might require an immediate revision of your research plan and marking anything that needs subsequent study. You’ll conduct follow-up research on all family and associates whose records might shed light on the person of interest.
Careful correlation, analysis, and reporting
Correlate all pieces of information that you find—no matter how small—looking for connections and patterns. Summarize your findings and analyze what you’ve learned. Does your analysis warrant a conclusion, or does the information lead you to expand your original plan? Prepare a conclusion or proof statement for ongoing research and reference.
Stay Focused on the Research You Start
Once you have a clear picture of the specific individual, couple, or family group, it’s time to define your objective. Do you want to prove a statement? Do you have a question to answer? Do you have a theory or hypothesis you want to test?
It’s a good idea to create a brief timeline of events for your ancestor to help you determine what questions you still need to answer and what information you hope to find (such as date of birth).
At this point, you can build your research plan
This plan identifies what you want to search, where you will search, and what resources you will search.
As you follow the plan you’ve created, keep a research log, which will keep you focused on your goals and help you document where you’ve been and where you want to go.
Remember the Power of One
It’s straightforward to start researching one line of thought, become interested in another, and change direction, all in a few minutes. Soon you’re surrounded by papers, documents, names, dates, and locations and are left with a head full of swirling questions.
You will find your research more productive if you identify your research goals, develop a research plan and focus on their completion. The following are some ideas for keeping your research on track and manageable.
Focus on specific sections of your genealogy at a time. This can include the following:
- A specific family line or surname,
- A specific time and place,
- A specific family unit, or
- A specific question to solve.
Make an Appointment with Yourself
If you have a hard time finding the time or are spending too much time researching, schedule time with yourself to conduct your research. Make your appointments start and end on time. There is something about a deadline that helps keep you on track.
Additional Articles on BeginMyStory.com
The following are other articles you may enjoy to help you find history and genealogy records.
- QuickStart Beginners Guide to Ancestry Research
- Introduction to Ancestry Research and Historical Records
- 7,500-plus Questions About Life to Ask People When Writing Narratives
- 1950 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners
- 4 Easy Steps to Google American Ancestry
- Preparing to Easily Google Ancestor Records
- Complete Guide for Conducting Oral History Interviews
- How to Get Great Google Search Results in Ancestry Research
- 9 Advanced Google Search Strategies to Trace Ancestors
- What It’s Like to Start Ancestry Research
- Search sites like FamilySearch.org, Ancestry.com, MyHeritage.com
