Research Tactics: Lesson 2

Research Tactics: Lesson 2

Managing A Research Project

Print this Lesson

“The exaltation of our Father’s children rests upon the completion of required ordinances, if all are to move forward on the road that leads to immortality and eternal life. The determination of accurate family history records and the work which follows in the temples are basic in this vast undertaking which the Lord has placed upon our shoulders.” 
(President Gordon B. Hinckley, The State of the Church, Ensign, May 1991)

Discussion & Theory

Managing A Research Project

Every new research project should begin with basic information. Choose one family that needs additional information or a family in which there is a conflict of information that needs to be resolved.

Prepare a folder or notebook for that particular family. (Father, Mother and Children)

  1. Write out (or print out from your record management program) a copy of the Family Group Record. Reading this form you can identify what you know about this ancestor.
  2. Write our (or print out from your record management program) a one page Pedigree Chart showing one of the children as number 1. This form will remind you where this ancestor fits in your pedigree.
  3. Include a Research Log. This record provides you with a list of the records you have searched and what you found. Always make a record of places you search even when nothing is found.
  4. Create a Timeline. Listing what is known by date or time period helps to see what is unknown. Events happen in each family every year of their lives. You must find as many events as possible.
  5. Obtain a Map of the area where they lived. This helps to pinpoint the exact place of residence. Many times unrelated persons live in the same county and/or town. A good knowledge of the locality can be very helpful.
  6. Be sure to document every bit of information that you find and add it to your log.

Bring to Class This Week

  1. A home source document. Based on lesson reading, be prepared to tell what type of source it is.
  2. A printout of your pedigree.
  3. Church Account user name and password (so you can get into FamilySearch). If you don't have one, please ask your ward clerk for your membership number (this is also on your temple recommend) and we'll help you get a Church account.

Lesson Materials

Print out or download all of this material

Helpful Links

Homework for Next Week

  1. Read Lesson 3 material and links
  2. Register for FamilySearch at FamilySearch.org (if you have not already done so)
  3. Prayerfully decide on one family that you will work on during the coming classes.
  4. Fill out the forms from Lesson Two for that family.



<< Back to Class