Redmond First Ward Family History Class

Redmond First Ward Family History Class

Class One: Scratching the Surface

Opening

Introduction to me

Exciting but not fast-paced

I can’t promise immediate results, but I can promise support—support from myself, from family history volunteers, and from the Lord and your family. I have a book of 1,000 names to prove it—all by a miracle!

Not perfect

I am not perfect; I don’t know everything. I may even say something misleading or wrong. But I am excited about the work, and I want to share that enthusiasm. Please be forgiving if I err along the way.

Class to be re-taught

Anyone who realistically can’t spend time between now and January in the library, please return for the class to be taught Q1 99. Let others have more 1:1 time.

Logistics

where to meet, how many per computer, etc.

Introduction to Genealogy

What is it all about?

Detective: Name and Date

Simple, Not Easy

Brief Intro to Library

Spiritual reasons for genealogy

Moses 1:39 This is our father’s goal and we are to help him achieve it. Genealogy is about saving others—it’s another form of missionary work.

He that is on the Lord’s errand is entitled to his assistance and support. You will get tired, discouraged at times, but know 1) why you are doing this and 2) that the Lord will help.

What to Bring

Cash to Library ($3.53 + $.50) each Visit

1.4 MB floppy

Research Journal

Recording individuals

Pedigree Chart

Family Group Record

The people in both these documents are your ancestry; you need to do the work for all of them.

Ancestral File

Good Place for Tip

Inaccurate, at Best

Not Gospel

GEDCOM Crunch

Find Name

Note: the rest of this course (five more weeks) is all about this first step!

Export Five Generations

Run through TempleReady

Take Results to Temple

Homework

Take whatever you know and fill in a pedigree chart and a family group record. Contact any living relatives (at least 2) and try to get more information. Keep a record of your research in your research journal. Bring this information to class next week.

Class Two: Sleuths in Action

Review of Week One and Report on Homework

Using the Library

Materials

Research Guides (printed strategies)

FamilySearch (Computer)

Family History SourceGuide (CD-ROM full of stuff)

Brochures (welcome) (Guide to research, info on files, etc.)

Library in a Library—genealogical books, periodicals, videos, maps.

Fees

Research Guides

Microfiche/Microfilm ($3.55 for 60 days)

Printing/Copies (5 cents)

Equipment

Computers

Printers

CD-ROMs

CD caddies

Fiche readers

Film readers

Using Familysearch to Find A Relative

International Genealogical Index

Record of dates, names, and places

Separate screen for LDS ordinance info

Social Security Death Index

Two certainties: death and taxes. They’re combined here.

Name, dates and places

Ancestral File

As accurate as a grafitied wall in the Bronx

Names, dates, and places—all of questionable validity

Great start—points you to general location, general name spellings, general family connections, general date ranges (great used in conjunction with census or other first-hand sources).

Homework

Using the information in your pedigree/family group records, come to the family history center and try to find evidence of an ancestor in Social Security death index, US Military records and in Ancestral File. Find 3 cities listed in your ancestry and identify which counties, states, and countries the cities can be found. Choose a research guide for one of those regions and list 3 possible sources of information. Record your findings in your research journal.

Class Three: Dusting for Prints

Review of Class Two and Report on Homework

Success Stories

Genealogical Citation

Cite so You Can Return

Books

Dates

Names

Place Names

Using Microfiche Records

Census—Us

Parish Records—Abroad

Ordering Materials

Order Forms

Prices

Keep Checking In

Libraries

Library Materials

FamilySearch

FH Library Catalog

CD ROMS

Research Guides

Gazetteers and books

Libraries to Visit

Redmond

Close by.

Bellevue

Experienced

More materials on 3rd order (indefinite loan)

Salt Lake City

All the info

The ‘experience’

Homework

Browse through the Family History Library Catalog. Look for surname books for your ancestry, or histories of counties in which your ancestors resided. Find at least three other materials in the Library that might help in your research; order at least one item.

Class Four: No Stone Unturned

Review of Class Three and Report on Homework

Success Stories

Whose Work Can Be Done in the Temple?

Rights of Precedence

Deceased for a Year

Young Children

Research Guide Basic Search Strategies

Follow Research Guide from Page 2 Through 6

Identify what you know

Decide what you want to learn

Select a record to search

Obtain and search the record

Evaluate, copy, and use the information

In-Class Activity: Record Sources

Each member select a different source

Search the source, or outline how you would obtain the source

Report to class on results

Homework

Using the information you’ve gathered so far, identify 3 and order at least 1 microfilm or microfiche item that might advance your research. Record this order in your research journal, along with the anticipated date of arrival. Select a microfilm record in the library and become familiar with the layout and use of that record. Record your findings in your journal.

Class Five: Go Back and Investigate Again

Review of Class Four and Report on Homework

Success Stories

Guest Speaker

Relationship of Skills and Time

Discuss applying the basic skills we’ve learned over time—persistence, patience, faith, and endurance.

Finding Help on the Internet

What The Internet Won’t Give You

What You Can Get From The Internet

E-mail contacts

ListServes

Suggestions

Internet Resources

Cyndi Howells’ site “Cyndi’s List”

Research Time

Homework

Visit one major genealogical Internet resource. Identify and subscribe to or read some archives of one surname e-mail listserv related to your ancestry. Try to identify who on the discussion list is an experienced, qualified genealogist and send a letter of introduction (including your ancestry) and request electronic copies of GEDCOM files for your ancestry.

Class Six: Breaking Through the Dead End

Review of Class Five and Report on Homework

Success Stories

Guest Speaker

Finding the Lost

Discuss spiritual and hands-on ways of getting around dead-ends and share experiences

Research Time

Challenge to class: find one name and run it through TempleReady by class’ end

Quiz

Course Conclusion

Do not stop. Goal: each of us do the work of 10 individuals and have a joint sealing trip by year’s end. And let’s have all gold stars from here on out!