Genealogical research is a fun process that can be continued almost indefinitely. Often, genealogy for many turns into a hobby, like collecting stamps or collecting coins. But getting to know your family tree can sometimes take a lot of work.
It is necessary
Family archive documents
Instructions
Step 1
It is advisable to start researching your pedigree with the purchase of stationery. You will not be able to retain all the facts and events in your memory. Stock up on envelopes and folders, where copies of documents, photographs, certificates from archives will subsequently be sent. Even if you decide to use a computer and a scanner in your work, a paper archive will help eliminate the risk of data loss in the event of equipment failure.
Step 2
The next step is tidying up and sorting the family archive. Select documents that contain genealogical information: birth certificates, marriage and divorce certificates, death certificates, work books, certificates, certificates and other documents. Pay special attention to dates, names, residences, and family ties. Take a separate envelope for each person. Each time you receive new information, put it in the appropriate storage.
Step 3
In the future, you need to set a goal for yourself to access the family archives of the next of kin and copy documents related to genealogy.
Step 4
Passport data can be a valuable source of information you need. The passports themselves may not always be available at home, but sometimes it is enough to have the passport numbers written out in the notebook in order to refer to the corresponding archives in the future.
Step 5
Number and sign the envelopes with documents, make an inventory of all the collected papers. Ordinary albums are not suitable for collecting old photographs; it is better to place them in envelopes. If you need to make an explanatory caption to the photo (who, when and where is shown), use the back of the photo and a pencil. Documents must be stored unfolded so that their folds do not wear out
Step 6
Now you can proceed to interviewing relatives. Most of them might not want to waste time talking about their ancestors. But that shouldn't stop you. Get a notebook and start systematically asking your loved ones about everything they remember. A dictaphone can be a very good help in this matter. If relatives live in another city, use letters, telephone, e-mail for the survey.
Step 7
Communication should be conducted in a friendly manner and in a pleasant environment. The main thing is that the respondent is not in a hurry to be distracted by other matters. It is good to use family holidays, weddings, birthdays for collecting genealogical information.
Step 8
Prepare a list of questions, and they should be composed in such a way that they cannot be answered in monosyllables. Having taught a monosyllabic answer, try to clarify the information. The easiest place to start is with the usual questions about the time and place of birth. Encourage telling stories and anecdotes. Ask to see the family photo album. Be a good listener. The duration of an effective conversation does not exceed two hours.
Step 9
Later, put the records in order, organize them. Be sure to mark confidential information that is not subject to disclosure.
Step 10
Gradually, you will form the outlines of an approximate picture of your family tree, suitable for further research. To start searching through the archives, you need to know the last name, first name and patronymic about a person; year, place of birth and death, place of residence (baptism), occupation (class). Keep in mind that in most archives, genealogical search is a paid service. Therefore, it is highly desirable to include as accurate information as possible in the request.
Step 11
The pedigree is conveniently depicted as a tree. In it, the ascending trunk denotes the person from whom the genealogy is built, the branching will be his parents, the small branches - grandparents. The ancestor will be at the base of the tree, and the descendants will be in the crown.
