Memorial Day Research

The Memorial Day weekend would be an excellent opportunity to either jump start your family history research or spend a little extra time on those family lines or individuals that need some of the gaps of information filled in. It is amazing what can be accomplished with just a couple hours of time.

A few suggestions would include to sort and label some of the family photos if they have not been done to date.  It might look like a big project, but a few hours on just on slack of photos can make a difference. Besides labeling, you do want to scan if you have the equipment to make them digital.  That way they are always ready and available on your computer. Several times a fellow family researcher will ask about a certain ancestor and I like to send along a photo if I have one to go with any information shared. They appreciate it and then can help identify some photo they might have.

Another idea is to make that phone to a relative, a great aunt, a cousin, a grandfather, who lives out of town.  If they are available, you can start asking some questions on the family ancestors. If you select not to call, then take the time to write that email or regular mail letter, putting in a request to them to assist with any questions you have on the family.

If you have not looked at the FamilySearch site in a while, make the holiday weekend the time to do so. They are always adding new material and databases, so if it has been six or more months, check out the free site.

Try a family history software program on your computer if you have done so to date.  Family Tree Maker, RootsMagic or Legacy are a few examples of good software programs to use.  Most can be download from their online site. Using a good software program on your computer is one of the best methods to get organized, save your research and still be able to print out charts, trees and reports on your family lineage. Here is a site that has reviewed the top ten family history software programs.  It is a nice way to compare.

So there are several different ways you can put make some strives in the family history research this weekend. Remember those veteran ancestors also. Enjoy the journey.