It is absolutely vital to keep a clear record of everything you do. Make sure your family tree and the associated information is up-to-date, and note down your source for every piece of information, as you will need it later. Keep your notes and refer back to them often - when a trail goes cold, a new line of enquiry often becomes apparent. Never give up!

It is quite easy to scribble a family tree out on a piece of paper, with information attached to each name and copies of papers and certificates kept in a drawer. But once you have discovered your 16 great great grandparents and all of your uncles, aunts and cousins, updating your record may become very time consuming. If you are computer literate, one of the many family history databases may be a simpler and quicker alternative. It depends how extensive your information becomes.

Keeping a note of your sources is vital, as people may challenge the accuracy of your information and errors are common. If someone gives you a family tree they have drawn up, you will need to check all of the information. Often, assumptions are made about the identity of people, based on limited information - I guarantee that you will not agree with all the assumptions! Much time has been wasted unwittingly drawing up family trees for other peoples' families.

Store original documents carefully to prevent deterioration and keep a back-up of any computer files away from your computer.

Family Search

Home