This post is a summary of my plans and accomplishments for Month 1 of  my Genealogy Do-Over.  First question is:  how did I find out about the Genealogy Do-over?  As I remember (it has been 4 months now),  I knew that I needed to re-organize my genealogy files.  But, I wasn’t sure how or where to start.  The job seemed overwhelming with multiple family lines.  When I converted from Family Tree Maker to RootsMagic™ in January, 2016, I joined the RootsMagic facebook group.  Someone in that group mentioned the Do-Over and I went looking.  At last, structure and directions!

Focus for Month 1 is ‘Setting research aside’ and ‘preparing to research’ (Source: Thomas MacAntee, The Genealogy Do-over returns for 2017 ( http://www.geneabloggers.com/genealogy-month-1-january-2017 : accessed 2 Jan 2017).  You mean that I won’t actually be doing any genealogy research for awhile?  OK,  I’m in!   Goals:  organize files (digital & paper), review documents, list current research habits.

DISCLAIMER:  I adapted ideas from others.

Goal #1:  Organize files.

1. Move scattered media files for each family tree to one location on computer.  Results:  Completed 16 Jan 2017.  Created a media folder for each family tree.  Moved media from various locations to respective media folders.   New research habit: place media item in appropriate media folder as soon as item is copied or downloaded.  Decide rule for naming  media items. Follow rule.
2.  Color code paper files.  Results:   Purchased colored file folders in January, 2017.  Assigned color to each family tree (father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, nephew, brother-in-law).  Filing system:  direct line ancestors in colored folders; siblings, children, cousins, other non-direct line persons in manila folders with appropriately colored dots.   Completed conversion of  files for parents & parents-in-laws to new system as of today (13 April 2017).
3.  Consistent paper trail for each family/ person.  So many choices!  I have multiple samples of family group sheets, research logs, tracking sheets, migration/ biography sheets.  Executive decision to use these forms:
   1.  5- generation pedigree.  Created from home person (father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in law) for each tree from RootsMagic.  Circled specific generation in the paper file and placed this as first page in each file.   Reason:  rapid identification of where this particular family fits.  
   2. Family Group Sheet: National Archives & Records Administration (NARA).  2- page (or front and back) form with space for 15 children.  Limitation:  No designated space to add compiler & date compiled.  I add this information at the bottom of the sheet.
   3.  Individual worksheet: Midwest Genealogy Center, Mid-Continent Public Library System, Missouri.  Fillable PDF.
   4. Research checklist:   Midwest Genealogy Center,Mid-Continent Public Library System, Missouri . Fillable PDF.
   5. Biographical outline:  Excerpted from The Unpuzzling Your Past Workbook, copyright 1996 by Emily Anne Croom.  Used with permission of Betterway Books, a division of F&W publications, Cincinnati, Ohio.  Check your local library for a copy of this book

Goal #2:  Review documents.  Ongoing; subject for a later post.

Goal #3:  List current research habits that need repair:

• Following leads wherever the search takes me.   Remedy:   Set specific objective for each session.  Stop when objective met.  Repeat as needed and as time permits.
• Following rabbit trails (aka “bright shining objects” — Thanks, Thomas MacAntee for that insight!).  Remedy:  STOP.  Go to Remedy #1.
• Inconsistent citations/ documentation of sources.  Remedy: Use RootsMagic source citation templates. (Note: deferred for now).  Buy Evidence Explained book (done); consult EE website as needed.     Document sources immediately.
• Relying too much on online family trees.  Also, not  transferring data/ documents to RootsMagic trees. Remedy:  Use other resources.  Transfer data/ documents as soon as possible after review, ideally before ending session.
• Rare use of research logs.  Remedy:    Locate or design research log format.   Test use of research log.  Outcome:  Decided to use research log created by Thomas MacAntee.  Test case:  subject for another post.

Enough for today! Enjoy your weekend!