Genealogical Researchers

submitted by wmamills@juno.com

I thought I would pass along some info that may be helpful to genealogical researchers. The LDS has a publication entitled: A GUIDE TO RESEARCH. This 24-page, comprehensive publication gives a complete overview of the LDS records, and how to perform your genealogical research via their various collections of info. Here is an outline of the topics covered in that publication:

WHY FAMILY HISTORY?

INTRODUCTION: 

>Purpose.
>Records at the Family History Library.
>Services & Resources.
+Family Search Center.
+Family History Library.
+Family History Centers.
>Research Process.

1. IDENTIFY WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: 

>Fill out a Pedigree Chart & Family Group Sheet.
>Gather additional information.
>Organize your records.

2. DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: 

>Select an ancestor.
+Missing information.
+Incomplete information.
+Unverified information.
+Conflicting information.
>Select a research question.
>Prepare a research log.

3. SELECT RECORDS TO SEARCH: 

>Identify a record category.
+Compiled records.
+Original records.
+Background information.
+Family History Library Catalog.
+Finding aids.
>Compiled records.
+Ancestral File.
+International Genealogical Index (IGI).
+Family histories.
+Other sources of compiled records.
>Original records.
+Vital records & civil registration.
+Church records.
+Cemetery records.
+Census records.
+Probate records.
+Military records.
+Immigration records.
+Other original documents.
>Choose a record type.
>Select specific records to search.
>Describe the records on your research log.
+Summary.

4. OBTAIN & SEARCH THE RECORD: 

>Obtain the record.
+At the Family History Library.
+At a Family History Center.
+Other repositories.
>Search the record.
+Name changes.
+Spelling variations.
+Handwriting.
+Dates.
>Record the results.
+Photocopies.

5. USE THE INFORMATION: 

>Evaluate the information.
>Transfer the information.
>Organize your records.
>Share information.
+Contribute to Ancestral File.
+Share your family history.
>Repeat the process.

ADDITIONAL: 

>Indexing of records
>Other services
+Orientation
+Group visits
+Additional instruction
+Accredited genealogists
+Correspondence
+Family History Centers
+Other libraries & archives
>Library rules

This publication also contains: 2 Pedigree Charts, 1 Family Group Sheet, and 2 Research Log sheets. There is also a chart which describes how to select various record types to obtain your objectives, such as proof of:

 >Age
>Birth date.
>Birthplace.
>City or Parish of foreign birth.
>Country of foreign birth.
>Death
>Divorce
>Ethnicity
>Historical background
>Immigration or emigration
>Maiden name
>Marriage
>Occupation
>Parents, children, & other family members
>Physical description
>Place-finding aids
>Place (town) of residence when you know only the state
>Places family has lived
>Previous research (compiled genealogy)
>Record-finding aids
>Religion

 If you would like to obtain this comprehensive genealogical publication, please call 1-800-537-5950 and ask for # 30971, A GUIDE TO RESEARCH. Guess what? This publication only costs 40 CENTS, and the copy that I have, looks like it is printed on heavy duty, acid-free stock, and also has a nice, thick, full-color, glossy cover. However, if you want to order it by credit card, it will cost an extra $2. But, since there are no S&H charges, how can you lose? If, however, you can wait a few weeks to receive a Family History Publications List (# 34083), and the order form (# 33360), you will not have to pay the extra $2.

 

I am not affiliated with the LDS in any way. However, I do know that they have the largest collection of genealogical records in the entire WORLD.

Take care, & happy hunting!

William A. Mills
Perry, GA
wmamills@juno.com

 

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