How to Steps
Easy how to steps are outlined below with free downloads for your family history.
Step 1: Gather your Family History
Look in boxes, book shelves, drawers and maybe even behind a picture in a frame. Collecting the items in your home is the start of your history.
I have put together a list of suggested items (click here for the checklist) to start your hunt in your own home. Now go and collect these items and if there are large items take a picture of them.
Step 2: Make Your Family Tree
Here is a “5 Generation Chart” for you to download.
1. Write your name by the number 1.
2. Write your father in #2 and your mother in #3 space.
3. At this point you need to pick one last name (the mothers or fathers last name) to work on, so if you choose your father then fill in his parents names. (When you work on your mothers maiden name that is considered a different last name book.)
4. Download a Family Group Record.
5. Add you as a child and add your parents information.
6. Next add your siblings information.
7. Then continue to #4. again and do the parents of the name you choose to work on.
Step 3: Interviews
We want to offer you a listing of helpful interview questions HERE and add your own questions as they apply to your family. CONTACT us if you have any questions. [email protected]
Step 4: Manual Records
Keep everything you have completed or found in your home in a binder by last name. First page is your 5 Generation Chart, next page is your Family Group record, next your family history you gathered behind the appropriate Family Group record. If it is too big for the binder take a picture. One binder is for one last name.
Shopping List
· Purchase from my shop, “Sharpie, archival safe”
· Purchase from my shop “Page Protector Package, archival safe”
· Purchase a 3 ring binder that is 3 inches in size.
Want more to organization click HERE. n
Step 5: Census Research for Free
Click HERE, this link will take you to www.archives.gov which is the United States National Archives. You will be able to search the census from 1940 – 1790 for free.
Step 6: Research Log
Download a Research Log so you can keep track of what you have done.
Step 7: Scrapbooking
Free Digital tree – Use the free Family Tree search program on the internet at familysearch.org. Login in and start loading your information. Coming Soon, instructions for the familysearch.org website.