Here is the list of some simple do's and don'ts when it comes to family history research. I hope this will help you in your research.
Using the Internet for Research
Do -
- go back and do a search for things you searched in the past. The web is constantly being added to as people post information and new web pages and sites are created. Just because you did not find it the last time, does not mean that you will come up empty handed this time. I have a list things to search for that I repeat every four to six months.
- post items to a website to share what you find. This helps others who may be researching the same ancestors. They won't have to go through all the trouble you did. And having a site may help you as well. People may come across your site and contact you, providing you with information you may not have had.
- use message boards and query pages. I have found that this can be one of your best tools when it comes to research. Often you can find long lost relatives who have information you are looking for. Other times you have people that are no relation who have the info or can point you in the right direction willing to help in your search. And the best part, using them is free.
Don't -
- feel that you need to use pay sites to locate the info you are looking for. Often you can find the information on other sites for free. And many of the sites will provide you with a list of sites where the information is located that you are looking for, and the sites they direct you to are free. So the money was wasted.
- think just because it is listed on a website or family tree that someone created, that the information is correct or a fact. You should look to see what their sources are. If none are provided, or the source is another family tree and or website, consider the information as a lead, not a fact. Use the information you find and then go and try to find sources that will prove or disprove what you find. When no source is not listed, the source is an an oral tradition or a family tree someone filled out; I consider what I found unreliable till I can prove otherwise.
Recording What You Find
Do-
- share
- record your sources and make notes on what you find.
- find a way to organize your findings and research.
- help others, they may not know as much about researching as you do. We all are beginners at one point and know how much we appreciated when someone helped us. So continue helping others with their research.
- find ways to share what you find. Post the info to a website or mail the info to relatives.
Don't -
- try to say what you found is copyrighted and tell others they can't use what you have found. Many people in genealogy think that they can copyright the facts, but all you can copyright is how you present the facts you gathered during your research. If they use word for word what you did, basically plagiarizing how you presented it, you have a right to be mad. But if they used the facts you found in your research in what they are presenting, you hopefully will be given credit, and don't feel shy for asking for it, but don't get mad at them.
- refuse to share what you have found. I say this as there is a small portion of researchers out there who believe that they did all the hard work in finding something out, so they think that anyone else who wants to know what they learned, they should have to do the same hard work. What these minority of people who have this belief fail to realize is that not everyone out there can do what they did. Not everyone has they ability to go comb through the archive where they found their information. A lot of people may not have the money to travel to this location. The person may be stuck in a wheel chair or in a nursing home. So to say that you won't share your findings and others should have to put in the hard work is probably the one thing that makes me really mad in genealogy. Because some people just can't.
Headstones and Markers
Do -
- take pictures
- weed around stone or marker
Don't -
- make a rubbing (may actually be illegal to do so in some places)
- use shaving cream to highlight inscriptions (may actually be illegal to do so in some places)
- clean the stone or marker unless absolutely necessary. If stone does need to be clean, use a wash-cloth and water, do not use cleaning detergent, bleach, chemical cleaner and brushes (especially wire brushes)
- try to make your own repairs to a broken stone. It is best to contact and or hire someone who specializes in conserving old headstones and markers.
Doing Field Work
Do -
- seek permission before entering private property
- get permission before doing a dig. On public property a permit is often needed and on private property, owners permission is needed as well as a permit if the property is on any sort of historical protection site.
- keep records of your investigations. Note on dates, locations, sources and other facts from the field work that you might need later on.
Don't -
- move and or handle any Native American artifacts found on public land
- take samples of material unless you are entirely willing to risk damage to the source. An exception or reason why you may remove material is that in removing the material is the only way to preserve it. An example is that some construction of something like a house, road, etc. will destroy it unless it is removed.
- trespass where you are forbidden to go.
- do damage to public and or private property.