How to Do Everything: Genealogy

Description

Written by a renowned genealogy expert, this fully updated bestseller shows you how to use both traditional and online genealogy research methods. Thoroughly revised for the latest tools and techniques, "How to Do Everything: Genealogy, Fourth Edition" uniquely addresses all the different genealogical record types, explaining traditional and digital research strategies. It defines the basic rules of genealogical evidence, explains how to evaluate source materials, and describes proven research methods. This practical guide shows you how to research your family history using the most current websites, social networking sites, record archives, newly released and forthcoming census data, digital records, new frontiers in DNA research, and more. The latest technological tools such as hardware and software are also covered. Featuring global resources from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia in a single volume, this book reveals how to: Organize and create your family tree Research census documents, military service records, and land and property rolls Locate difficult-to-find records Use the most efficient internet search techniques Plan a successful genealogy research trip Evaluate sources for authenticity Research and verify ancestors using genetic genealogy (DNA) Get past brick walls and dead ends in your research Use social networking sites and collaboration techniques Cover Title Page Copyright Page Contents Preface Acknowledgments Part I Begin Your Family History Odyssey Chapter 1 What Is Genealogy? Understand the Difference Between Genealogy and Family History Assess What Constitutes a Family Motivations for Genealogical Research Documentary, Hearsay, and Genetic Evidence Chapter 2 How Do I Get Started? Start at the Beginning: Yourself and Your Family Discover Sources of Information in Your Own Home Interview All Your Relatives Begin to Organize What You Find Get Started! Chapter 3 Balance Traditional, Electronic, and Genetic Research Be a Modern Genealogical Researcher Understand Traditional Research Discover Documentary Evidence and Where It Is Found Learn About Electronic Research Materials Understand Electronic Research Materials Include DNA Testing in Your Research Integrate Traditional, Electronic, and Genetic Research Findings Chapter 4 Analyze and Organize Your Family Information Understand the Genealogical Proof Standard Recognize and Evaluate Original vs. Derivative Sources Evaluate Primary vs. Secondary Information in Original Records Apply Critical Thinking Skills to Your Genealogical Research Place Your Ancestors into Context Format Names, Dates, and Locations Correctly Work with Pedigree Charts Work with Family Group Sheets Create Source Citations for Your Data Select a Family Tree Format Chapter 5 Place Ancestors into Context and Locate Their Basic Records Place Your Ancestors into Context Become a Student of History Use Maps to Locate the Right Place to Research Locate Birth, Marriage, and Death Records Locate Domestic Partnership and Civil Partnership Records Deal with Suspected Name Changes Summary Chapter 6 Use Census Schedules and Records to Locate Your Ancestors Locate and Access Census Records in the Digital Age Understand and Work with United States Census Records Understand and Work with British and Irish Census Records Understand and Work with Canadian Census Records Locate Additional Information on the Censuses Part II Expand Your Research Chapter 7 Extend Your Research with Advanced Record Types Use Religious Records Obtain and Analyze Mortuary and Funeral Home Records Read Between the Lines in Obituaries Locate and Delve into Cemetery Records Search for Other Death-Related Documents Get Inside Your Ancestor’s Mind Using Wills and Probate Records Obtain Information from the Social Security Administration and Railroad Retirement Board Use Historical Newspapers to Learn About Your Ancestor’s Life Events Consider Other Institutional Record Types Chapter 8 Use the Many Types of Military Service Records Expand Your Knowledge of Military Service Investigate Military History for the Appropriate Time Period Identify Possible Sources for Military Records Examine Samples of Military Records Locate Other Military-Related Records Chapter 9 Understand and Use Land and Property Records Locate and Use Land and Property Records in the United States Learn About Land and Property Records in Canada Learn About Land and Property Records in the United Kingdom Locate Land and Property Records Online Place Your Ancestors into Context with Property Records Chapter 10 Locate and Use Immigration and Naturalization Records Understand Why People Migrate Locate and Use U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Records Locate and Access Canadian Immigration Records Locate and Access Australian Immigration Records Use Strategies for Determining Your Ancestor’s Migration Path Use Other Strategies for Determining Your Ancestor’s Place of Origin Understand the Naturalization Process Work Immigration, Naturalization, and Census Records in Tandem Chapter 11 Discover Where to Locate Evidence About Your Family Determine Where to Look for Different Document Types Use Libraries and Archives Use the FamilySearch Catalog and the LDS Family History Centers Consult Reference Books and Other Resources Deal with Closed or Limited Access to Materials Order Document Copies by Postal Mail, Email, and Online Keep Track of Your Correspondence Use a Research Log Set Up and Use a Filing System Part III Employ Advanced Strategies and Electronic Tools Chapter 12 Assess Internet Websites to More Successfully Research Your Ancestors Categorize the Major Types of Internet Resources Categorize the Major Types of Genealogical Web Page Resources Structure Effective Searches to Locate Information Use Another Way to Fine-Tune Your Google Searches Use Mailing Lists and Message Boards to Share Information and Collaborate with Others Locate and Use Additional Resources in Your Research Chapter 13 Research and Verify Your Ancestors Using Genetic Genealogy (DNA) Learn About DNA and Its Place in Genealogical Research Discover the Difference Between Paternal Testing, Maternal Testing, Autosomal Testing, and the Results Test Processes and Results Learn About Genetic Testing Services Join a DNA Surname Project on the Internet Learn More About Genetic Genealogy Chapter 14 Use Alternative Research Strategies to Locate Difficult-to-Find Ancestors Recognize When You Have Hit a “Brick Wall” Look for Alternate Record Types Take a Fresh Look at Your Evidence Reevaluate the Quality of Your Sources Dissect Obituaries Widen the Scope of Your Search to Include New and Different Sources Use Photographs in Your Family Research Switch to Another Family Member to Bypass Your Roadblock Seek Help from Libraries, Archives, Museums, and Societies Engage the Help of a Professional Researcher Consider Some Common Brick Walls Chapter 15 Incorporate Social Networking into Your Genealogy Research Locate and Use Blogs Use Wikis and Collaborate with Others Enjoy Podcasts and Online Radio Broadcasts Learn More About Genealogical Research with Internet Videos Attend Live Webinars and Access Recorded Webinars Learn About and Use the Latest Social Media Resources Learn About Hardware and Software for the Tech-Savvy Genealogist Use Smartphone Apps for Genealogy-on-the-Go Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y