Genealogy Research: an Overview

Learn how to do your genealogy research with A PLAN.

^{*This post will be the first in a series that describe my genealogy research process.}

^{I have studied in university courses and applied the research process followed by genealogy professionals. However, I think amateur researchers can also benefit from thinking of their work on their family lines as a process, perhaps an organized series of steps.}

^{This is what I do to connect the dots in my family. I hope it may help you do the same for yours!*}

You’ve decided you want to do some genealogy research.

Maybe you read somewhere that genealogy is ranked as one of the fastest growing and most popular hobbies in America and you’re curious to see what all the fuss is about. Maybe you wish you had more complete answers to pass on to your children about their heritage, their people. Maybe you feel a sort of duty to do so. (Inherited Great-Aunt Joni’s files and photos? Lucky!!)

Whatever brought you here, you’re probably both a little excited about the finds that lay ahead…and a little intimidated because this is something new.

Well I’m here to tell you that you can do this 😊

I would like to propose something super simple:

Research with A PLAN.

As this simple GIF illustrates, I will use the letters in the words “A PLAN” as an acronym to order the steps in the genealogy research process.

But I must point out: the turning hearts on either side of the letters are also steps in the plan, not to be overlooked! 😊

My steps to doing good genealogy research are:

1. Turn your heart

2. Ask questions

3. Plan your search to be effective

4. Look well

5. Analyze (I promise, this is not as hard as it sounds)

6. Note what you found or did not find

7. Turn others’ hearts by sharing

Again:

So are you ready?

Let’s begin with TURNING YOUR HEART!