Genealogy Club of  Oak Run

www.genealogyclub.oakrunocala.com

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some Frequently Asked Questions.  More will be added as they are asked.

1.  How far back in time do I have to go to complete my family history?

       a.    This varies with each person’s goals, available time and other resources.   Some

            people have gone  back to the Mayflower and some to their family origins in other

            countries for centuries. 

2.   What was the first time a genealogy was done?

       a.    Some claim the first genealogy was completed in the Jewish bible.

3.    How does one start their research?

        a.   Perhaps the most critical thing to do first is to talk with the older generations of

            your family as soon as possible to find out what they remember.  Ask for any

            papers or photos they may have or request access to a family bible.  Ask if you can

            Make photo copies of any documents they will not let you keep.

4.    What is the  biggest mistake people make in doing their research?

         a.   Not keeping good records nor having an organized filing system. 

             Also, use of computer software is recommended.  They are not very expensive

             and can save a lot of time plus they can generate a variety of reports.

5.     What is considered good data?

          a.   Data must be verifiable through  recognized sources such as government

              records, commonly used records for a particular time and subject such as

              passenger records, family bibles and personal recollections by people who

              lived when the event occurred or who are family members the data

              was passed down to. The key for this latter source is to get their name, age,

              relationships and record all details they remember.