Updating Your Genealogical Research
Genealogical research is an ongoing process. No matter how much time and effort you put into the research process, there is no way to guarantee that all the facts have been uncovered. On more than a few occasions, I've attended seminars and classes taught by professional genealogists and one of the points they often make is that when it comes to genealogy the answer to most questions is “it depends”.
With this in mind, do you check your older research for updated information and accuracy? Have you taken the time to check the source citations provided with your compiled information for accuracy? Patrons enter the research process for a variety of reasons. While accuracy is important to many, there are just as many that seem content with knowing the “gist” of their family background. For many of the latter group, they often take the information they have found whether it be on the Internet or handed down by family members at face value without making any effort to verify the facts as presented.
Even if you feel confident that the information is correct beyond any doubt, experience has shown that when it comes to history and genealogy, there are seldom any 100% certainties. Here are ten significant reasons why it is in your best interests to check you older research periodically:
- Research skills improve for most people as they go through the process.
- The number of new records available online continues to increase on a regular basis.
- Information previously found through microfilm and printed sources such as vital records, tax records, Social Security records, immigration and naturalization records, census records, etc. may have been previously unavailable or incomplete.
- Many of the images that appeared on old microfilm, in print sources, and online prior to 2010 have been digitized making the information more readable, easier to understand (thanks to improved indexing and online tutorials), and improving the accuracy.
- Many new digitized maps are available online to help patrons locate specific localities of interest.
- It is vitally important to verify all source citations. If you chose to take source citations found in printed sources or from family information at face value, the information is often inaccurate.
- Timelines are critical for long-term research success. Many researchers do not discover the errors in the compiled information until they create a timeline of major events in the individual or families lives. There are wide varieties of timelines that can be created online for any type of research project.
- If you have avoided going back to old research because of frustration due to research roadblocks, there are multiple varieties of print and online tutorials available that can assist you in reviewing the problem.
- Local genealogical and historical societies, as well as libraries with genealogy and local
history collections also provide research free research assistance by appointment. - For those performing research to gain admission to the DAR, any information found in published DAR Lineage books, should be checked at www.dar.org/genealogy, which provides currently acceptable patriot ancestor and descendant information. Following up with a local DAR chapter Registrar is also encouraged.
BLM 8/2/2017