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!