The latest video from How We Got Here Genealogy offers invaluable advice for anyone embarking on the journey of tracing their family history: the importance of a well-structured research plan. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of online records and historical documents, but this video provides a roadmap to help you stay focused and efficient.
The video emphasizes that a research plan is crucial for avoiding research overload [00:07]. It’s about more than just randomly searching; it’s about defining clear objectives and strategically pursuing them. By having a plan, you’ll save time, avoid repeating searches, and ultimately achieve more meaningful results.
The video highlights the importance of focusing your research by defining specific goals [02:21]. Instead of a broad inquiry like “learn about my family,” consider focusing on a particular ancestor, a specific time period, or a particular location. This targeted approach will streamline your search.
Understanding the difference between primary and secondary sources is also key [03:41]. Primary sources, like birth certificates and census records, offer firsthand information, while secondary sources interpret or analyze primary sources. The video guides you on where to find different types of records [04:59], ensuring you’re looking in the most relevant places.
The video also showcases examples of research planners and resources [06:13], providing practical tools to help you organize your findings. A case study on tracing ancestors in Nova Scotia and Scotland [07:29] illustrates how a research plan can be applied in practice.
Finally, the video underscores the importance of witness accounts in genealogy [11:59]. Personal stories and family lore can add depth and color to your research, providing valuable context to the facts you uncover.
This video is a must-watch for anyone serious about genealogy. It’s a reminder that a little planning can go a long way in unlocking the secrets of your family’s past.