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Getting Organized: Research, Files, Findings

Seminar
Online
September 7, 14, 21, 2022
Wednesdays at 6-7:30 p.m. ET
Ann Lawthers
Rhonda R. McClure
Melanie McComb
Members Save 10%

When you first began your family history research, you may have thought that it would be simple to keep track of all the information. Assuredly, you quickly discovered that it’s not so simple--files and findings multiply exponentially. Staying organized is an important part of the genealogical process. Taking the time to organize your research, results, and files as you go will give you more time for productive research. This online seminar will provide you with several tips, tools, and best practices for organizing your research and results at every step of your family history journey.

September 7

Class 1: Organizing Your Research
Presented by Ann G. Lawthers

With all of the genealogical information at your fingertips today, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, go down research rabbit holes, and lose focus. In this first class, Genealogist Ann G. Lawthers will offer tips on how to make a research plan and stick to it! Using templates, worksheets, and other research tools available at AmericanAncestors.org, you’ll learn how to stay organized and get the most out of your research time.

 

September 14

Class 2: Organizing Your Files
Presented by Rhonda R. McClure

In researching your family history, you quickly become inundated with physical copies, email and other electronic files, handwritten notes, photographs, research logs, and more. Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure will discuss various systems on how to organize your files, so you can easily return to your work, find what you need on a particular person or family, and not duplicate your efforts.

 

September 21

Class 3: Organizing Your Findings
Presented by Melanie McComb

This final class will provide tools for organizing your findings to help you interpret your results, see patterns, and come to sound conclusions. In addition to tools for understanding your results, Genealogist Melanie McComb will discuss how to compile a proof argument that organizes sometimes disparate findings into an easy-to-follow solution.

Education and Programming
Ann Lawthers
Migration Patterns
New England
Mid-Atlantic States
Areas of expertise: New England, New York, Mid-Atlantic states, the southern colonies, Ireland, and migration patterns.
Education and Programming
Rhonda R. McClure
Immigration and Naturalization
Genealogical Software
French-Canada
Areas of expertise: Immigration and naturalization, late 19th and early 20th century urban research, missionaries.
Education and Programming
Melanie McComb
DNA
Ireland
Eastern Canada
Areas of expertise: Irish genealogy, DNA, Atlantic Canada, Jewish genealogy, and military records.