All My Family History Work Is Done – What Can I Do? By Glen K. Tolman
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f you have a full family tree going back six, seven or more generations, you may have heard or thought that all the family history work is done in your family. When I renewed my interest in family history about ten years ago, this is what I thought. At that time the FamilyTree option on FamilySearch.org was launched. This along with other features on FamilySearch.org has evolved and continues to evolve, providing a wonderful free resource for millions of people who are interested in family history.
The following three paragraphs were developed by myself and others to provide a starting point for “what we can all do” if the assumption is made that “all our family history work is done.” 1. Complete and verify: Make sure that the information on the shared family tree on FamilySearch.org about yourselves and your ancestors from parents to at least great-grandparents is accurate and complete. This includes ancestor’s spouses, children, and siblings. Add more direct-line ancestors
if possible. Make sure needed temple ordinances are completed. Add photos, stories, audio recordings and documentation such as birth, death, marriage, and census records for your ancestors as well. This brings them to life. See what photos, stories and sources were added by other relatives. Try the various activities available under the “Activities” option such as “Compare-a-Face” to find which ancestors you most resemble. 2. Get involved: Use the “Get Involved” feature on FamilySearch. This includes “Indexing” which makes records free and searchable. A new feature titled “Review Names” allows you to review names in-
dexed by a computer. FamilySearch explains that “with the FamilySearch Get Involved app you can edit records on the go, helping others find and connect with their family. Download and get started volunteering.” 3. Use the “Ordinances Ready” feature: find this under the Temple option on FamilySearch to find relatives needing temple work completed. Find ancestors to add to Family Tree by looking for the descendants of ancestors starting with those born before 1830. Many on-line historical records are available to assist with this effort especially records beginning in the 1800’s.
I’m STRESSED! Meetings, sports, homework, clubs! No time to cook dinner and kids are HUNGRY!
Photo courtesy Glen Tolman
I’m RELAXED! Pete’s Fish & Chips is cooking dinner and the kids are HAPPY!
22 S. Mesa Drive
Pete’s has been serving the FASTEST FISH in the Valley since 1947 and our prices can’t be beat!
8 Valley Locations: Mesa • Tempe • Phoenix Glendale • Tolleson
Need a menu? petesfishandchips.com
(Main & Mesa Dr.)
Family Owned and Operated
Photo of my father with fellow High Priests.
Some other ideas: Find descendants of ancestors to add to FamilyTree with the “Descendancy View.” Pick an ancestor born before 1830 and display their known descendants. You will
learn to recognize patterns where individuals can be added using the many historical records available in the 1800’s and 1900’s. The Family History Guide (thefhguide.com) has some excellent “Descendancy” research helps. See Project 3: Descendants in the FamilySearch Section. Start with Goal 1, Choice A. Watch a helpful video in this section found under Goal 1, Choice A, Item 4 titled “Strategies for Finding an Ancestor Using Descendancy Research.” (Note that the section on Find-a-Record no longer applies.) The key to finding success and joy in family history is to spend some regular time each week. Remember: our family history work is not all done. We can find joy in the journey as we discover and connect with our family, past, present, and future!
COOL OFF with Snicker Ice Cream Bars & Frozen Snicker Bars!
Come by and ask for a FREE bumper sticker!
The
(480) 964-7242 (sorry no phone orders) M - F 10am to 10:30pm • Sat 11am to 10:30pm Cash Only- NO checks, credit or debit cards
SINCE 1947
“Original Fish & Chips” All American Tradition
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te’s Peace $ Get a cool Pe r only The adventures of Kathy & Patty ker! Your’s fo ic St (Pete’s Daughters) Chicken Tenders • Fresh Breaded Onion Rings • Burgers • Dogs • Burritos • Scrumptious Shrimp & Chips • Chicken Nuggets Drive thru & take-out orders are our specialty!
Happy is the family that eats at Pete’s Pete’s!!
ArizonaBeehive.com •
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