Recently, Colleen Boyle posted about her accomplishments for the year on the Genealogy Do-Over Facebook group. [1] At times during the past year, I, too, felt overwhelmed by the enormity of my task.  Four family lines (my parents, my in-laws) comprise the bulk of my research efforts, with 300-400 persons in each family tree.   Families of my brother-in-law, my nephew’s father  and other Posten families who may be related to dad’s family are also part of my research.

When I compare the status of my digital and paper files in January, 2017 to their current status,  I have made a lot of progress.  Here’s my accomplishments for 2017:

1. Color-coded paper files for each family line – parents, parents-in-law + others.
2. Recorded complete information in paper and digital files for both sets of parents + 2 generations.
3. Adopted standard record-keeping system for individuals and families. Completed forms for all of Dad’s direct ancestors (my focus for 2017).  Partially completed forms for some individuals not in his direct line and for some individuals in other lines.
4. Started notebooks for BMD certificates & records. Dad’s line:  BMD records for 5 generations placed in archival quality sleeves  + several  other people , including originals sent to me by  husband of 2nd cousin. 
5. Obtained birth, death, marriage certificates for maternal grandparents (both born 1892, d. 1974 & 1984 respectively, married 1917). Originals placed in archival quality sleeves & appropriate notebook.
6. Digital copies of original BMD certificates & records complete for 2-3 generations of direct ancestors in each family line.
7. Created blog to describe experience and tell family stories. Made posts 2-3 times per month.  Connected to 1^st cousin who I haven’t  talked to in years after she found my blog!  Added pedigrees for each major family line (Posten-Richards, Tucker-Maurer, Ellerbee-Simmons, Johnson-Reed)  to blog.
8. Began using research logs on template created by Thomas MacAntee. Made a few changes in log format.   36 logs created to date.
9. Bought Evidentia & Evernote.  Used each one 5-6 times. Continuing to explore how to use these tools.
10. Bought Evidence Explained  book.  Using this extensively.
11. Bought ‘Ancestry citations’ cheat sheet. Using this extensively.
12. Created digital Research Toolbox.  22 websites/ blog posts added.
13. Attended two online webinars – New York Vital Records (mom’s family) and Writing a family history. Now have specific plan for revision of Posten family history written in 2010.
14. Genealogy research trip to Pennsylvania (dad’s family). Met with 90+ year-old aunt and other relatives, tramped 14 cemeteries, visited 2 county historical societies.  Found and photographed grave of my paternal grandparents!  Note:  paternal grandparents listed online as buried in 3 different cemeteries.  Placed them in correct cemetery on FindAGrave website.   Sent corrections to online cemetery managers.  Posted about this in blog.
    

    LaCoe family reunion,  August 13, 2017.  Newton, Pennsylvania.

15. Attended LaCoe family reunion in Pennsylvania. Dad’s maternal grandmother was Amelia Magdelenne LaCoe.
16. Connected with 2^nd cousin and her son through DNA testing. Used  skills & tools to help them search for her father’s family.   Convinced my brother to have his DNA done.
17. Opted to stay with Roots Magic software.
18. Began more extensive research on siblings of parents and grandparents. Almost complete for Dad’s siblings through their grandchildren.
19. Created naming convention for digital media files. Changing file names as I work on each person/ family.
20. Joined three facebook groups – Genealogy Do Over, Early PA families, Pittston PA families.  Already member of RootsMagic facebook group.
21. Implemented data back-up plan for files – home computer, external hard drive, cloud servers x2, paper copies.  Discussed future with oldest son.
22. Expanded list of online sources regularly used to obtain information.
23. Still following BSOs at times.

  2018 Goals:

1.  Continue  paper & digital file clean-up.  Focus on mom’s family as Dad’s family files are now fairly clean.
2. Submit at least one article to a local genealogical society for publication in their newsletter. Use information from 2010 Posten family history.
3. Revise at least 4 chapters of Posten family history book. Explore publication options with expected publication in 2019.
4. Send copies of grandparents’ BMD certificates to cousin.
5. Send for at least 6 BMD certificates. If budget permits, request one certificate per month.
6. Blog-related goals:
   1. Post on more regular basis, optimally every 2 weeks.
   2. Expand to husband’s family, at least 4 stories about his family during the year.
   3. Explore options for posting family trees to blog.
7. Learn more about DNA testing.  Join DNA Do-over Facebook group.
8. Assist nephew to combine family trees of his parents (his mother is my sister).

Reflection

Organization of paper and digital files greatly improved over last 12 months.  I learned new technical skills while creating blog.  Reconnecting with a cousin as direct result of my blog is an unexpected benefit.  Genealogy research trip was more organized than would have been otherwise. With limited time there,  I identified specific goals for the trip and met most of those goals.  Husband wants to plan a trip south (southern Georgia & Alabama) to explore his family lines.  I am more consistently using varied sources for online research.  Appropriate documentation of all sources is more consistent.

Blog itself changed.  Initial entries focused on tasks and results for a specific month of the Genealogy Do-Over.  Later entries apply lessons from Genealogy Do-Over as I tell the stories of various family members.  The informational/ educational posts include examples from my genealogy work.

Another way to look at the process:  “Give your genealogy an annual checkup”

To paraphrase a recent ad campaign:

Colored file folders, notebooks, ink for printer  = $159.00

Photocopying forms at office supply =  $79.50

Genealogy reference books & programs = $156.00

Backup external hard drive + subscription = $36.00

Continuing education = $129.00

Improved genealogical research skills + future-proofing  = 

[1] Colleen Boyle, “Genealogy Do-Over Group,” Facebook (https://www.Facebook.com/groups/genealogydoover  : accessed 10 December 2017), posting “I tend to set unrealistic goals. . . . “, 8 December 2017.