3 Effective Ways To Reboot Your Genealogy Research

We all start as “baby genealogists.” We don’t know what we don’t know, right? But as you gather steam in your education and experience, you sometimes have to go back into your genealogy research. Go back to the beginning and redo some of your earlier work to make it better.

Or perhaps you’ve been away from your family history for a while and you’re ready to pick it up again. In this blog post, I’ll explore three effective ways to jumpstart your genealogy research and get it moving in the right direction.

There are many times in our lives when we have to step back, analyze the work we’ve done, and then start again. Genealogy is no exception. It took me three tries to get this blog off the ground. One of my first blog posts had to do with where to start in your genealogy journey. You can read that here.

Today, let’s look at some ways to reboot your research and feel good about your work going forward.

Revisit and Review Existing Research

One of the first steps in rebooting your genealogy research is to revisit and review the work you’ve already done. Many times valuable clues may have been overlooked or forgotten. Here are a few ways to approach this:

• Organize Your Files and Notes: Take some time to organize your genealogy files, whether they are physical documents or digital records. Create a system that allows you to easily access and review your research. Consider using software like Evernote or Trello to keep everything in one place. If you need some help, read “Binders or Folders: Which is better for Genealogy Organization.”
• Verify Sources and Citations: Double-check the sources and citations for your research. Make sure that each piece of information is properly sourced and documented. Look for any inconsistencies or errors. Elizabeth Shown Mill’s website, Evidence Explained, is a great resource for this.
• Review Previous Research with Fresh Eyes: Sometimes, taking a break from your research and coming back to it with a fresh perspective can reveal new ideas. My blog post, “Why it’s good to take a Genealogy Break” may help. You might also start researching a different line, and then come back. That will also let you see your research with fresh eyes.
• Chronological Timelines: Create a timeline of your ancestors’ lives, including birth, marriage, and death dates, as well as any significant events. This can help you spot inconsistencies or gaps in your research and guide your next steps.
• Cross-Reference with Family Members: If possible, speak with living relatives about what you’ve found. They may have firsthand knowledge or personal stories that can fill in details or clarify any inconsistencies in your research.

Expand Your Research:

If you’ve hit a dead end with your current line of research, it might be time to expand your horizons and explore new things. Here are some ways to do that:

• Explore Different Record Sets: Don’t limit yourself to just one type of record. Branch out and explore a variety of record sets, including census records, vital records, land records, military records, and more. Each type of record can provide unique clues about your ancestors. Ancestry.com and FamilySearch give updates to their record sets on their home pages.
• Investigate Collateral Lines: Instead of just focusing on direct ancestors, consider researching collateral lines, such as siblings, cousins, and in-laws. Sometimes, information about these relatives can help fill in gaps in your family tree or provide clues for further research. This is called the FAN Club and you can read about that here.
• Use DNA Testing: DNA testing can be a powerful tool for genealogy research. It can tell you about your ethnicity and give you a list of genetic cousins who might have information about your ancestors. Consider taking a DNA test through services like AncestryDNA or 23andMe. There are many websites to help with DNA education. One that I like is from Diahan Southard, Your DNA Guide.
• Search Historical Newspapers: Local and regional newspapers can provide a wealth of information about your ancestors. Search for birth, marriage, and death announcements, as well as social columns that may mention your family.
• Research Neighboring Regions: Sometimes, answers might be found in areas close to where your ancestors lived. Explore neighboring towns, counties, or states for records and information that might be relevant to your family history. Expanding your search area can reveal new leads and connections.

Focus on Local Research:

Local history and community resources can provide valuable information about your ancestors’ lives. Here’s how you can focus on local research:

• Visit Local Libraries and Historical Societies: Local libraries and historical societies often maintain collections of books, newspapers, maps, and other resources related to the history of their communities. Pay a visit and explore what they have to offer. Sometimes looking at genealogy from another perspective can give us that spark back.
• Attend Community Events and Gatherings: Participate in community events, historical reenactments, or heritage festivals in areas where your ancestors lived. Talking with the locals can provide insights into the social, cultural, and economic context of your ancestors’ lives.
• Explore Local Archives and Records Offices: Check out the local archive or courthouse for original records such as probate records, school records, and property deeds. These records can offer valuable details about your ancestors’ lives and relationships within their communities.
• Connect with Local Genealogy Groups: Many areas have local genealogy groups or societies where you can connect with other researchers. They may have local knowledge, resources, or advice to share that can benefit your research.
• Explore Church and Religious Records: Many churches and religious institutions in the areas where your ancestors lived keep detailed records of baptisms, marriages, and burials. These records can provide additional information about your ancestors’ religious affiliations and social networks.

Finally

Genealogy research takes patience, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt and evolve. By using the three strategies outlined in this blog post—revisiting existing research, expanding your horizons, and focusing on local research—you can breathe new life into your genealogy research and make meaningful discoveries about your family.

Enjoy finding answers, but also the journey you took to find them.

Genealogy tip: Give back. If you know how to do genealogy research, do pro bono work or teach. We all get tired of working on our ancestors sometimes. Try volunteering to help someone else with their research or speak up at a local genealogy meeting. What you know could help others.

Another way to reboot your genealogy research is to hire a professional. I love digging into records for others and can help get your genealogy juices flowing again. Call me today for a free, no-obligation appointment.