Use your computer to organize genealogy finds
A successful research endeavor results in the accumulation of reams of paper. Failure to organize the documents, however, can stunt the growth of what otherwise might have become a healthy family tree.
In last week's column I suggested that following a seven-step research process could train family historians to be methodical and approach research in an organized process.
This whole topic began when a reader asked for a resource to help her organize. There are plenty of commercial software products that guarantee to help you organize anything. But the truth is that every computer comes equipped with most of what you need to organize your documents.
I do recommend that you purchase genealogy software (FamilyTreeMaker, Roots Magic, Legacy, Reunion, etc.) to help you organize your information. More about that later.
Every computer has a folder called "Documents" or "My Documents." Picture that folder as a virtual filing cabinet, and we're going to put individual file folders into various drawers.
Under "Documents" create a subfolder and label it "Genealogy." Inside that folder create a separate folder for each surname you are researching. Exactly how you organize and label from this point can vary depending on personal preferences.
Under each surname, there will be various folders. Here are some of the folders I create for each surname:
Background: This is where I drop materials I find from a variety of sources This folder is filled with anything that explains or helps me understand my ancestor and the times and places in which he lived and worked. I might copy and drop snippets from websites or pages I scan from books at a library. Don't forget to record the source information onto the copies or scans!
Cemeteries: Sometimes we find surveys that record all the graves in a cemetery where our ancestors are buried. I copy and drop them into this file — the website might disappear so I don't want to assume it will be there when I need it again.
Emails: Under this folder are many other subfolders, each with the name of the relative writing to me. I give each email a new title that will be meaningful to me. For example, Mary Dawsey sends several emails about an old letter she discovered. I create a folder labeled "Mary Dawsey" and within that her emails would be "Michael Dawsey Letter 1" and "Michael Dawsey Letter 2," etc.
Legacy Family Tree Genealogy Software - News
I do recommend that you purchase genealogy software (FamilyTreeMaker, Roots Magic, Legacy, Reunion, etc.) to help you organize your information. More about that later. Every computer has a folder called "Documents" or "My Documents.
Family tree projects on display during the "Who AM I? Family Journeys: Alameda County Youth Testimonials" program presented by Alameda County District 5 Supervisor Keith Carson, at Malcolm X Elementary School in Berkeley, Calif.,
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On June 16, Linda Genmer will speak on "Census" and Pat Roberts will speak on "Writing a Family History Your Relatives Will Read." Guests welcome. Information: Mabel Massey, 303-466-9520 or Renee Naughton, 720-898-8289. Chase Bank, 4580 W. 121st Ave.,
Legacy News: Millennia Corporation Releases New Genealogy Software ...
Surprise, Arizona, November 9, 2006 – Millennia Corporation, a leader in family history software, today announced the release of the Danish language edition of Legacy Family Tree.
The software, used by beginners and professionals to record, plan, and share their family trees, is now the premier choice for Danish researchers.
“Until now, the choice for many genealogists has been Brother’s Keeper or Family Tree Maker,” wrote Lars J. Helbo in Alt om DATA (Everything about Data magazine). “The first has a rich set of functions and a perfect localization, but the user interface is not up to date. The latter has a modern user interface, but lacks a number of vital functions. If that was the dilemma, Legacy has the solution. Legacy simply combines Brother’s Keeper’s and Family Tree Maker’s strengths without their weaknesses.”
Key Features
user interface, reports, help files – all in Danish Danish census forms from 1769-1950 Timelines of Danish history checklist of suggested sources for Danish research same excellent features as the regular edition including over 100 reports, To Do List, calendars, expert tips/advice, statistics, web site searches, and much more...Pricing and Availability Legacy is also currently available in the following languages: English (Australia), English (Canada), English (United Kingdom), and English (USA)
Translation is in progress for the following languages: Afrikaans, Deutsch (German), Eesti (Estonian), Español (Spanish), Français (French), Italiano (Italian), Nederlands (Dutch), Norsk - Bokmål (Norwegian), Norsk - Nynorsk (Norwegian), Português (Brasil), Suomi (Finnish), and Svenska (Swedish).
More information about the translations is available at http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/InternationalLegacyVersions.
Legacy Family Tree Genealogy Software - Bookshelf
The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy, A Complete Resource to Using the Web to Trace Your Family History
Some programs, such as Personal Ancestral File (PAF) and the standard version of Legacy Family Tree, are free. There are dozens of genealogy software ...Good Web Guide to Genealogy
Software programs Suppliers of a range of genealogy software have been ... you are American. www.legacytamilytree.com Legacy Family Tree Genealogy Software ...Online roots, how to discover your family's history and heritage with the power of the Internet
You can find quite a few genealogy programs in your local software or discount ... Family Tree Maker (familytreemaker.genealogy.com/) • Legacy Family Tree ...Windows-Only Genealogy Software, Ancestry. Com, Personal Ancestral File, the Master Genealogist, Genopro, Ancestral Quest, Legacy Family Tree
Family Tree Pocket Reference
FDB: The native file format for Legacy Family Tree genealogy software. FTW: The native file format for Family Tree Maker genealogy software. ...Everyday Note Directory
Legacy Family Tree
Genealogy software that tracks names, alternate names, dates, places, events, notes, sources, pictures, and sounds.
Legacy Family Tree Online Store
Learn about Legacy Family Tree - the most comprehensive and easy-to-use genealogy/family history software you can buy. Take the Guided Tour. Try the free Standard Edition.
Legacy Family Tree Genealogy Software - Webinars
Learn about Legacy Family Tree; The most comprehensive and easy-to-use genealogy/family history software you can buy. Take the Guided Tour. Try the free demo.
Legacy Family Tree - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Legacy Family Tree is genealogy software for Windows[3] that assists family historians in tracking, organizing, printing, and sharing family history. ...
Legacy Family Tree - Genealogy Software
The developers of Legacy Family Tree. Learn all about Legacy 7.0 -- The most comprehensive and easy-to-use genealogy/family history software ever. ...