Are you like me and enjoy starting new projects once the kids are back in school and there’s a crisp feel to the air? One “new” project that may need your attention is cleaning up your genealogy research…family trees, documents, or files.
That might sound daunting. After all, you’ve likely put years into building your family tree. But sometimes, a fresh start is exactly what you need. Whether you’re overwhelmed by a mountain of papers or feel like your research has hit a dead end, a do-over can help you regain control and make progress in your research.
In this blog post, you’ll discover how to tackle a genealogy do-over with confidence.
As you might have guessed, the secret to a successful genealogy do-over is…there is no secret! It’s just time and patience as you make and execute a plan of action. Now, let’s get started!
Why A Do-Over Might Be Necessary
When you research your family history, you’re in it for the long haul. Genealogy is a journey, and like any journey, it’s easy to take a wrong turn. Maybe you relied on shaky sources early on (like other people’s family trees) or made assumptions that you shouldn’t have. Over time, small errors can add up, leading to a family tree that doesn’t quite feel right.
A genealogy do-over gives you a chance to correct those mistakes. It’s an opportunity to revisit your research with fresh eyes, apply new skills you’ve learned, and make sure that your family history is as accurate as possible.
Your Genealogy Do-Over Plan
Step 1
The first step in a successful genealogy do-over is to start with a clean slate. This doesn’t mean throwing away all your previous research. Instead, set aside what you’ve done so far and begin fresh, keeping your original work as a reference.
Create a new family tree, either on paper or using genealogy software. Start with yourself and work your way back like you did when you first began. By starting from scratch, you can avoid carrying over any errors from your previous research.
Ancestry lets you create as many trees as you want. If you choose to start over with a fresh tree, go to Ancestry and click Trees, then Create and Manage Trees. At the bottom, select Create a new tree. Start entering data. You’ll want to give this tree a new name and perhaps the date you’re starting it.
I never recommend having separate trees for maternal and paternal lines. Make one tree for all of your family.
Step 2
One of the most common reasons for a do-over is unreliable sources. Early in your research, you might have been tempted to rely on family stories or unsourced online trees. Now that you have more experience, you know the importance of solid, verifiable sources.
As you rebuild your tree, evaluate every piece of information. Ask yourself where the information came from, whether it’s reliable, and if there’s any other evidence to support it. If you can’t verify a fact it’s better to leave it out until you can.
Step 3
A do-over can feel overwhelming, especially if your family tree is big. The key to avoiding burnout is to take it one step at a time. Focus on one branch of your family or even one individual. By breaking your research into manageable chunks, you can stay motivated and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Step 4
Good documentation is the heart of successful genealogy research. As you work through your do-over, be diligent about documenting every source, note, and thought. Slow down! This will save you a lot of headaches later on.
Keep a research log to track where you’ve looked and what you’ve found. This can help you avoid duplicating your work and it keeps you focused.
Another way to document what you find is to write up your research. It doesn’t have to be fancy…just your thoughts on paper. It’s when I’m writing that my brain comes up with new ideas and questions on how to proceed. If you want more motivation to complete this step, check out my blog post on 7 Reasons To Stop Your Genealogy Research And Write.
Step 5
One of the benefits of a genealogy do-over is that it opens you up to new information. As you review your research, be open to questioning old assumptions. You may discover new sources that weren’t available when you first started or find that new skills allow you to think about your research differently.
Don’t be afraid to make changes to your family tree based on what you find. Genealogy is all about uncovering your family’s past, even if that differs from what you originally thought.
Step 6
Even the most experienced genealogists run into roadblocks. If you’re struggling with a particular part of your research, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are plenty of online groups or communities that can answer your questions.
Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all it takes to solve a stubborn problem. Whether you need help interpreting a record, breaking through a brick wall, or just some encouragement, there’s support available for you.
Step 7
Let’s face it, genealogy is a labor of love. It’s important to celebrate your progress along the way. Woohoo! A do-over can be a long process, but it’s also an opportunity to reconnect with your ancestors and deepen your understanding of your family’s history.
Take the time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished. Whether you’ve solved a long-standing mystery or simply cleaned up your family tree, each step forward is worth celebrating.
Long-Term Benefits Of A Genealogy Do-Over
A successful genealogy do-over isn’t just about fixing mistakes; it’s about creating a stronger foundation for what you find in the future. By starting fresh, you can make sure your family tree is accurate, well-documented, and most of all, remembered.
In the long run, this will save you time and frustration. With a solid foundation, you’ll be able to make new discoveries with confidence, knowing that your research is built on reliable information.
Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve honored your ancestors’ stories with love and care. They deserve that!
How I’m Starting A Genealogy Do-Over
I may not be doing a complete do-over, but I am cleaning up many things that have needed my attention. A few months ago, I bought a new computer and have been procrastinating setting it up. My hesitation was that I knew my computer files were messy and I didn’t want to deal with them. I know you can relate!
I can’t believe how many duplicates I had! Almost every genealogy syllabus from classes or institutes had two copies in separate folders. It feels good to start fresh with a new system that I know will make me a more organized, efficient genealogist.
I’m also working with a new Ancestry add-on called Pro Tools. Several of the new features help to clean up your family tree. More on that in a future blog post.
Finally
A genealogy do-over may seem like a big undertaking, but it’s worth your time. By starting fresh, reviewing your sources, and documenting your work, you can create a more accurate family tree. Remember to take it one step at a time, ask for help when needed, and celebrate your progress along the way. The result will be a family history you can be proud of.
Genealogy tip: If you need help organizing your genealogy documents, check out my blog post on using binders or folders. It’s full of useful tips to keep your research in great shape!
Sometimes you need a professional genealogist to help solve your problem. Click below to make a 30-minute no-obligation consultation.
