SUGGESTIONS FOR BEGINNING GENEALOGISTS COMPILED BY THE FRENCH-CANADIAN/ACADIAN GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF WISCONSIN, INC

PO Box 414, Hales Corners, WI 53130

1. TALK TO THE OLDER FAMILY MEMBERS
• Tape record
2. WRITE TO ALL KNOWN FAMILY MEMBERS
• Always keep a copy of your letters
3. ASK FAMILY MEMBERS FOR COPIES OF FAMILY RECORDS
• Birth, marriage, death, etc,
4. OTHER FAMILY SOURCES
• Holy cards
• Photos/photo albums
• Diaries/Journals
• Old letters/postcards
• Scrapbooks/Autograph books
• School yearbooks
• Military records
• Wills, property records, insurance records
• Naturalization papers/passports
• Any paperwork immigrants brought with them
5. RECORD ALL THE INFORMATION YOU RECEIVE
• It is preferable to use standard genealogical forms if possible
• Record who, what, where, when and why
• It is imperative to record the source of your information
• Always use a woman's maiden name
• Spell out the name of the month to prevent confusion with the number of the day.
• Each married couple should have their own family group sheet
• Record notes on reverse side of family group sheets
6. READ "HOW TO" BOOKS
• Make use of your local libraries resources
• ake a genealogy class
7. JOIN A GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
• Meet other genealogists
• Exchange information, tips, etc.
8. ALWAYS INCLUDE A SASD (Self-addressed stamped envelope) A thank you note may bring further helpful information

[Family Room]

page added 8/13/97