Eleanor Brinsko, our November speaker, asked us an important question, “Why should we organize our genealogical research?" The answer seems obvious: because our piles of stuff tend to compound with the speed of replicating rabbits, and we need a way to locate the information we seek without giving up in fits of frustration. Duplicating our research efforts is both a waste of time and space – we need to learn how to streamline our efforts. Organization is the key.
Eleanor suggested that to help us get organized, we need to find a filing system that works for us. Spreadsheets, folders, filing cabinets, three-ring binders, or stacks of mobile file boxes with handles, whatever works for gathering and maintaining a functioning system. The goal is to be able to find a record, photo, or document and not revert to the constant duplication of effort. That is how we become overburdened with piles of stuff that quickly become obstacles to our goal of breaking down brick walls or confirming an historical family fact.
When I began researching my family genealogy, I took the easy route. I began by filling three-ring binders with family tree charts, group sheets, and photocopied documents, separated by alphabetical dividers. Eventually I filled an entire wall of shelves with names from A to Z. With the invention of computerized genealogy programs, I started to scan my finds into my RootsMagic program. This style of organizing seemed to work for a while, but when I inherited my parents’ collection of photos, documents, and mementos, everything became overwhelming. My filing system became overburdened again.
I am firmly convinced that I need to find another method to keep my burgeoning collection under control. Eleanor’s suggestion to create a digital research log for the family names that we are researching sounds like the best idea for avoiding duplication of effort – something that has plagued me over the years. I also like her idea about working on one or two projects at a time, instead of using the “scattershot” method that has been my modus operandi of late.
Finally, I agree with Eleanor that the key focus of our genealogical exploration is to not only trace our family heritage, but also to leave a legacy for our descendants. Eleanor stressed that we should keep in mind how we want our research to be shared and preserved for the future. One of our goals should be to make a plan to safeguard what we have discovered, designate where we want our work to go, and put it in writing to avoid any uncertainty in the future.
What are your plans for organizing your research, and how do you want it distributed?