Home Sources and Organizing Research LaBelle Women’s Club October 15, 2013

1. Home Sources and Organizing ResearchLaBelle Women’s ClubOctober 15, 2013 Bryan L. Mulcahy Reference Librarian Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 First Street Fort Myers, FL 33901 Tel: 533-4626 Fax; 485-1160 E-Mail: bmulcahy@leegov.com

2. Potential Benefits • Ancestors were given copies of documents. • Considered valuable possessions and kept in secure places:a. Safe deposit boxes (banks or hidden in homes) b. Behind valuable picturesc. Underneath bedsd. Copies given to trusted friends or neighbors 3. Passed down through generations. 4. Original copies may be only “guaranteed access”. 5. Significant time and money savings.

3. Dining Room Pictures

4. Where to Look, Who to Ask • Immediate family • Grown siblings • Long time neighbors or their children • Relatives • Close or lifelong friends • Business or work associates • Fraternal, civic, church, or business associates or entities

5. Types of Potential Documents Civil Legal Papers or Certificates: a. Birth, Marriage, Death b. Deeds, Bills of Sale, Mortgages, etc. c. Legal contracts d. Naturalization Certificates e. Professional Licenses f. Military Separation, Services, and other related veterans papers

6. Birth Certificate-1919

7. Marriage Certificate-Sangamon County, Illinois October 4, 1911

8. Deed, Levi T. Prescott to Prescott H. Hosmer, for property "on Lindall Place in Boston with the brick dwelling house thereon…numbered four (4)," 1867 November 10

9. Certificate of Naturalization With Picture - 1944

10. Certificate of Naturalization-1879

11. Types of Potential Documents Church Sacramental Certificatesa. Baptismal/Christening b. First Communion c. Confirmationd. Church or Parochial School Graduation (1) Grades 1-7 (Elementary/Junior High/Middle School) (2) Grades 8-12 (High School) (3) Colleges or Seminaries e. Adult Baptism Ceremoniesf. Bah Mitzvah'sg. Church/Synagogue Marriage

12. Baptismal Certificate-Indiana-1908

13. First Communion Certificate-Maryland 1885

14. Confirmation Certificate-1922-

15. Protestant-Episcopal Church Wedding Certificate

16. Types of Potential Documents Memorabilia (Family and Personal) a. Jewelry b. Heirlooms c. Medals and Awards Family Bibles Diary and Journals Entries: a. Discuss issues related to migrations.b. Supply dates/circumstances of births, marriages, death, divorces, and hidden family issues.c. Provide personal observations on events that occurred during time period.

17. Types of Potential Documents Letters: a. Identify family relationships and events impacting the family. b. Name and relationship of writer and recipient. c. Date and place where letter was written and to whom it was sent. Photograph Albums a. Especially helpful when pictures have descriptive information such as names and dates.

18. Family Memorabilia

19. Stutler Family Bible

20. Types of Potential Documents Insurance Applications Employment Applications or Resumes Scrapbooks (often contain newspaper clippings and other related documents) Memorial Cards (Funerals) School Report Cards, Yearbooks, Diplomas

21. Report Card

22. Memorial or Funeral Cards

23. Research Benefits of Home Sources • Links to additional records and sources. • Identify family members in the old country or other places of residences. • Provide specific dates and places for birth, death, marriage, and other important family events. • Clues about why life changing decisions, were made.

24. Research Benefits of Home Sources 5. Clues on major events that influenced various individuals or the family. 6. Clues on migrations both in the United States and the old country. 7. May provide information to help formulate questions and strategies for oral histories. 8. May help identify candidates to approach about an interview.

25. Importance of Oral History • Stories told by living people about their own life and the lives of the people around them. • Usually include details and stories that exist nowhere else. • Elderly grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles should be the first candidates. If they pass on, the stories die with them! • Relatives, neighbors, and acquaintances (classmates, co-workers, etc.) are additional candidates. • Consider recording answers and memories. • May provide options for locating and copying documents, certificates, etc. in their possession. • Don’t dismiss people with Alzheimer's. Or other neurological disorders

26. Oral Histories: Why Record? • Provide a first hand record for posterity. • Help provide clarification when discrepancies arise as to what was said. • May provide first hand insights as to life experiences and circumstances of by gone eras. • Information may never be available in any other source.

27. Organizing Your Research Why Organize 1. Locating needed information quickly. 2. Stay on track with consistent record-keeping 3. Avoid duplication of effort. 4. Clutter control.

28. Organizing Supplies File Folders 8/1/2 x 11 NOTE: Some experts recommend the large 8 ½ x 14 ones because some historical documents are larger. 3-ring binders Plastic Sheet Protectors Divider Pages Lined paper 8 ½ x 11 is the most recommended

29. Organizing Tips • When a document is obtained or copied, you must cite the source IMMEDIATELY on the face of the document. • You must IMMEDIATELY cite the source again: a. When you transcribe that documentb. Abstract it on a formc. Add the information to your computer database. d. Use it as a point of reference or discussion. • Undocumented sources are useless and can leave you vulnerable legally.

30. Suggestions For Creating Files • Sample File Folder LabelsSamuel Skinner, Jr. (ca.1755-1825)Mary Drake (ca 1760- ca1856) • Documents and notes about the Samuel Skinner family go into the Samuel Skinner file. • Documents and notes about the Mary Drake family go into the Mary Drake file.

31. Suggestions For Organizing Paper Copies and Documents • Scan or photocopy original documents. • Keep original documents in a safe and temperature controlled environment. • Arrange paper groups by family groups. • Within these groups, arrange chronologically. • Utilize file folders or 3-ring binders. • Take notes on standard sized paper, with separate sheets by surname.

32. Types of Files Master Documents1. Hard copies of all information accumulated. a. Birth/Marriage/Death Certificates b. Photographs/Artifacts/Memorabilia c. Copies of pages from primary and secondary sources d. Correspondence 2. These should never leave home! 3. Each should include full citation of the source where it was obtained. 4. All one-of-a-kind or original documents should be in this file.

33. Types of Files Analysis Files1. Your temporary working copies of relevant master file materials.2. Plus notes on possible connections.3. Ideas on which to follow up.4. Copies of secondary sources, correspondence. 5. These files can be taken on research trips.6. As problems are analyzed and resolved, a resolution summary statement/report should be filed with the relevant master document.

34. Types of Files Family Files. 1. Arrangement by single family unit is the most common.2. Contain specific information on family lines being researched.3. Result of work done in the Analysis Files and information derived from Master Documents.4. This is where Family Group Sheets, Pedigree Charts, and copies of relevant documents and records are kept.

35. Types of Files Quick Reference Files. 1. Main materials to take on research trips.2. Contain the basic information on your ancestors and available for immediate use. 3. Should include copies of filled in ancestral or pedigree charts, family group sheets, plus extra blank copies for the targets of your research at this particular repository. 4. Take all relevant research logs showing what has already been completed for these family members to avoid repeating work already done.

36. Types of Files Computer Files1. Growing number of software programs available that allow you to enter the specifics electronically.2. All data entered should include full citations.3. Most will produce reports for your Analysis File or Family File to eliminate having to handwrite everything multiple times. 4. Include the details and source information you obtain on all of the individuals you are researching — not just blood relations. a. Spouses b. Children c. Ancestors of in-laws, etc. 5. Keep track of "possible" relations. 6. Software programs should not replace any of the other files identified previously but supplements them.7. Make sure you have an easy update procedure in place because revisions and new discoveries are inevitable.

37. Preparing for a Library, Archives, or Courthouse Search 1. Be in "organization mode“ for success. 2. Visit the library homepage prior to your visit for information on holdings, hours of operation and services. 3. Have a research plan in place before the visit. 4. Bring your charts and a list of the records you wish to find. 5. Keep your Research Log updated during visit. 6. Bring change for the copy machine. Copy title pages to put with photocopies from books. • Bring multiple copies of Research Extract Forms for items that cannot be photocopied.

38. Preparing for an Internet Search 1. An Internet Research Checklist will help you use online databases more efficiently. 2. Most databases will have a "FAQ" Frequently Asked Questions section. 3. Many Internet sites offer online tutorials to assist in using the website. 4. These tutorials explain what information is accessible and may offer research tips.