Not everything goes according to plan in life (and in your genealogy research). Sometimes, you need a Plan B. And then other times you need a Plan C, D, and, well, you get the picture.
As much as we’d like our research to go smoothly all the time, we know that isn’t reality. Sometimes we face dead ends or challenges that slow us down. In this blog post, discover the different aspects of developing a solid backup plan.
When you sit down to do genealogy, you’re not expecting things to be difficult, but sometimes, that’s what you get. Challenges or roadblocks stand in your way of finding what you want to know.
Having a backup plan won’t keep these from happening, but it will prepare you for when they come up. Here are some suggestions on how to keep you moving forward in your genealogy research.
Diversify Your Sources
One of the first steps to a strong backup plan is diversifying your sources. Relying on just one type of record can be risky because records might be incomplete, hard to access, or even incorrect. By exploring different types of documents, you increase your chances of finding what you want to know.
Examples of Sources to Explore
- Census records: Provide a wealth of information about family members and their living situations.
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates: Offer vital details about your ancestors and their family connections.
- Church records: Can include baptism, confirmation, marriage, and burial records that may not exist anywhere else.
- Land records: Document property ownership and transfers, may give wife’s information and sometimes additional relationships.
- Military records: Shed light on ancestors’ service and personal histories.
- Immigration records: Reveal when and how your ancestors arrived in a new country.
These record sets are just the tip of the iceberg. A great place to start is the FamilySearch Catalog, which offers a wide range of sources to begin your search.
Explore Different Repositories
If your main go-to is an online database, consider visiting local archives, libraries, or historical societies that may hold unique or lesser-known records. These physical repositories hold all sorts of items like original documents, unpublished manuscripts, and other resources not available online.
For example, local newspapers found at a local library can provide personal stories and other details about your ancestors’ lives that you might not find anywhere else.
Work With Other Researchers
Genealogy can be so much easier when we work together. Talk with other genealogists, family members, or members of genealogical societies who share the same interests you do.
Working with others can lead to new resources, research techniques, or connections that you may not have considered. And it may give you a fresh perspective on your research.
Benefits Of Collaboration
- Shared knowledge: Sharing your research with others and having them share with you can help fill in gaps and solve mysteries.
- Research tips: Others may have used methods or explored resources you haven’t tried yet.
- Support: Working together can keep you motivated and excited about your research.
Document And Organize Your Research
Keep well-organized research notes, citations, and copies of documents. This will help you retrace your steps and rethink your research if needed. By keeping a research log, you can easily switch gears or revisit sources if you run into trouble.
How to Stay Organized
- Use a research log: Keep track of your sources, dates, and notes.
- Cite your sources: Document where you found your information for future reference.
- Create digital backups: Scan documents and save them in multiple locations for safekeeping.
Develop Research Strategies
When challenges come up in your research, it’s important to have alternative strategies. For instance, if you’re struggling to find a birth record, try using other records like census data, marriage records, or church baptismal records. They may contain the information you need. If you need to adjust, follow these tips:
- Revisit your research question: Make sure you’re asking the right question and using the appropriate sources.
- Look for indirect evidence: Sometimes, you may find clues in unrelated records that lead to breakthroughs.
- Experiment with different search parameters: Try variations in spelling or different date ranges to broaden your search.
- Be flexible: Stay open to new ideas of how to research.
Ask for Help
Sometimes, no matter how prepared you are, you may still face roadblocks. A professional genealogist can guide you and suggest additional resources to explore.
When to Ask for Help
- Persistent roadblocks: If you’ve tried multiple approaches and still can’t find a solution.
- Complex research questions: Sometimes, you need help breaking down a complex problem into something you can work with.
- Fresh perspective: A professional may bring a different angle and see things you might have missed.
If you reach a roadblock, consult a professional genealogist who can guide you through your research or suggest additional resources. Sometimes, fresh eyes and expertise can help overcome difficult research problems.
Finally
Genealogy research is rewarding but can it be complicated, too. Having a backup plan makes sure you can navigate challenges and keep making progress in your research. Diversify your sources, explore different repositories, collaborate with others, stay organized, and develop alternative strategies.
If you find yourself stuck, contact a professional genealogist. With the right backup plan in place, you’ll be better equipped to uncover the rich history of your ancestors.
Genealogy tip: Backup plans are usually made up on the fly. Don’t be discouraged if you have to change course in the middle of your research. The best results can come from something completely unexpected.
Genealogy research isn’t always easy, but it is fun! If you need some help, I’m here. Click below to get started.
