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Karen Shares Basics on Genealogy Research
Saw a quote the other day that made me laugh but really it made me think as well. “Genealogy is my favorite sport.” In my case it has been for well over 50 years. In fact, my dad used to tease me about it being my first word. Well, that might be a large stretch but I have had the love of history and family folklore since I was a bitty one.
As far as sports, well, there are definitely steps to follow as with genealogy. For instance, take baseball. First gather what you will need to play – a mitt (maybe two in case a buddy or pop plays with you), a few balls for practice and whatever else you may need. Start with baby steps as you are definitely not going to be able to throw a ball 80 miles per hour right off the bat. This takes a great deal of time to work up to that speed and you may never make that. Same as hitting the ball. Keep the bat straight and follow through is what I used to tell my softball gals. Work on your stance. Not an easy task, but one must also learn what each base represents and how to get on one and continue. On first when can ya’ steal 2nd for instance and if you’re behind in score and on 3rd, you’ll want to head home if you have a good chance. “Run Forest Run!”
So that is a very basic go-round on offense and there is of course much more but you get the picture (and don’t forget to take lots of those in whatever hobby you’re working on)! Defensively, catch that ball and learn to be wise where and how to throw it for the correct place for an out. Just remember, it ALL takes practice and many years of improving your knowledge.
So, it’s a good idea to begin genealogy at a slow pace (fill-in a 5-generation chart, descent chart, family sheet and I loved the census and death ones as well). Learn by reading magazine articles or how-tos on the internet, Facebook, FindAGrave or GenWeb (all still free but of course you can add those that cost – Ancestry is getting much harder to use and more expensive but it has been a blessing in more ways than one and I have four newspaper subscriptions). When I began genealogy 50 some years ago these easy ways didn’t exist and do want you to be super careful as to just grabbing someone else’s research (my best friend did that and I said, “Well, that’s interesting if you’re ancestor was two when he fathered the next generation” – whoops). I gave and took many genealogy classes and in fact, doing genealogy was much more basic – you had to write or go to the library, courthouse, church and all to find what you needed to search, not just nab it from the net. (I was so lucky to have two grandmothers who loved to talk of their family which made it easier even in the beginning working on this love). So once the sheets are filled-out (you can download free ones or order online) and if you’re really interested you will likely want to purchase a computer program (I have Legacy – it’s OK but kind of above my computer skills – used to have and LOVED Family Tree Maker).
Well I’m about out of room – really would love to give you some internet pointers but alas I’ll just have to do that another time!! Hope that was a different twist on genealogy (as a sport) for you – learn it, practice it and refine it!!!
For years, Karen Zach was the editor of Montgomery Memories, our monthly magazine all about Montgomery County. Her column, Around the County, appeared every Friday in The Paper of Montgomery County. Karen retired from all that a few years ago but sent us this gem to share with you. You can reach her at karen.zach@sbcglobal.net.
