It is a good idea when you first visit the Family History Center to bring several things with you. If you have not begun a personal pedigree chart, get a free copy here at the center and fill in what you know about your immediate family. We have a wonderful Welcome Pack chock full of sample forms and ideas which will help you dive into family research. To start the backbone of your research, aka Your Pedigree Chart, use the records that you have in your possession and check with other living members of your family to see what they can share. NEVER....think, oh I heard that Great Aunt Polly said we were related to General Washington, so I will start there.....ALWAYS...start with yourself.
Always remember to note sources on your record sheets. A good rule of thumb is to get a copy of all records you have obtained so you can use the copy in everyday research but will have the original to fall back on if necessary. I personally recommend when at all possible get a photocopy of the original record to keep with your research and keep the original if that is in your possession in a safe place, preferably fireproof.
Below, Linda PHILBURN has a planning session with Cathy BLIGHT, over the best ways to utilize the library's limited space.
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Bring this data with you when you first come to the FHC. With this data we can begin to determine where the best place is to start to help you with your research. It is sort of like we cannot tell you where to find the family "tails" if we don't know where the bones were buried.
Take a wander through the biographies of our librarians, perhaps there is one who is more familiar with the type of history you are researching. You can call anytime to determine when that particular person will be there for your questions. Some of us are there more than others but we are all willing to take calls at home also to help if necessary or to even set an appointment with you.
Howell, Michigan Family History
Center Title Page
Howell, Michigan Family History Center Librarians
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Site
Understanding the I.G.I.
Livingston County MI - USGenWeb/MIGenWeb Project
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