Step 2: Next you will interview your relatives to see what information they have to add to your pedigree chart. When you interview your relatives ask them for the information that is on the form and also any other information they have that you might be able to use. It is a good idea to take good notes during the interviews and also record them if you have a tape recorder.
Don't worry if there is information missing. That is normal when first filling out the form. I am only concerned with information that you know as of now. I will show you later how to find the missing information.
Step 3: Great, you now have your pedigree chart all filled out. That's a great beginning. Now we will download the family group chart. This chart will keep your immediate family in order. You will find the family group chart in either pdf or text format at Family Tree Magazine here: http://www.familytreemagazine.com/forms/...
Now take a few minutes and fill out the information on the family group chart. Great you are ready to go now.
Take out the pedigree chart again and look for places where you are missing information or only have partial information and circle all those places. Now you have a roadmap to show you the areas you need to work in first.
Next we will document the information on the pedigree chart. Look around your home and office for records that will prove the information you have entered. Like birth, death and marriage certificates for example. Gather all your documents into one place and make copies of them all. Now put the originals back and keep the copies out while I help you design your filing system.
Step 4: Organizing your information is essential especially in the beginning. When you start genealogy work with an organization system intact you will save yourself hours and hours of tedious work.
The question, however, is what kind of filing system do you want to use? There are several options to choose from. I use a combination of three systems. The first one is:
1. Usable filing system This system has three main sections to it.
a. Document file This file holds all the copies you have made of your documentation.
b. Surname File This file holds all the information you have found for each person and is filed by their last name or surname.
c. Moveable file This file moves with you so you can take it to all the locations you will be visiting in your genealogy work. Plus you can use it as a home base in your office.
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