Check
each step off as you do it.
CHECKLIST
- GETTING STARTED
Step
1. Gather together genealogically-related items
you already have.
Step
2. Fill in a pedigree chart back to your four grandparents.
Step
3. Divide up the items you found by the family surnames
of your ancestors and place in four temporary boxes.
Step
4. Genealogy is organized using pedigree charts and family group records. Now let's get your filing system set up!
CHECKLIST
- SETTING UP THE FILING SYSTEM
Step
1. Gather supplies for your filing system. (See Shopping List for Filing Systems" for list of
supplies you need.)
Step
2. At the front of your file box put a complete
set of your family pedigree charts.
Step
3. Study the Circled 5-Generation Pedigree Chart.
Step
4. Circle the lines of your 4 grandparents by blue, green, red and yellow on your own 5-generation pedigree chart.
Step
5. Put 16 colored hanging files into your box: 4
blue, 4 green, 4 red, 4 yellow.
Step
6. Label the colored hanging files with your family
surnames, using your own 5-generation pedigree chart
as a guide.
Step
7. Put copies of your 5-generation pedigree chart
in each of the colored hanging files, one for each surname.
Highlight the surname line that belongs with that colored
hanging file.
Step
8. Label a manila file for each family on your 5-generation
pedigree chart.
Step
9. File the manila folders in alphabetical order
behind the colored hanging folders the manila folders
belong with. (See Patronymics" for suggestions
on filing patronymic names.)
Step
10. Place family group record, To Do List, Research
Log, documents, notes, and other useful items in manila
family file folders.
Step
11. Set up other useful files - Holding Files, Location Files, Helps Files and a Descendants box.
Step
12. Expand to other boxes, as needed.
Step
13. Keep the basic file system updated and useful.
