March 12 is Genealogy Day--Part 3
Organizing Family Photos--part 1
Along with documents you collect while conducting your research, you will amass a large amount of photos. These may come from online research, your own family, or relatives who are assisting in the search. Therefore, you must have a system in place to store your family photos. Here are some helpful tips.
Archival products--There are products made specifically for storing photos. They are acid-free to prevent fading and wear. This includes plastic pages, boxes and even markers and stickers for scrapbook use. They are available at retailers such as The Container Store and online companies like Creative Memories. Before using anything for photos, verify that it is archival and acid-free.
Plastic pocket pages--These come in a variety of sizes to fit all your photo needs. Older photos are different sizes, depending on their age, so you may need a variety of pocket pages. Place only one photo (or two back-to-back) in each pocket. These pages can be kept in binders.
Keep negatives separate--Never store your negatives with your photos. This will not only keep your photos safe, it will give you a back-up should something happen to the photos. Negatives should be stored in a cool, dark place with low humidity.
Part 2 next week--Organizing family photos, continued
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
March 12 is Genealogy Day
Part Two
How to Store Your Research
File Cabinets and File Folders--Place all papers in folders, then into a file box or filing cabinet. Use different colors for different categories. For example, if you sorted by surname, then each surname would have a different color folder or label.
Binders--Create a binder for each major category, then use dividers within the binders to separate further. For example, the surname "Jones" would have its own binder. Inside, create a tab for "England", "California" and "Pennsylvania." Or tabs for "David", "Martha", "Thomas" etc. If you don't want to damage any documents, place them in page protectors before filing. If you use page protectors, use extra deep tabs so they stick out past the page protectors.
Computer Discs, CDs, DVDs--You can create the same file structure on a computer as you can with folders. Scan your documents and save them in the appropriate folder. Label them as you would your folders. If you have both hard copies and electronic copies, use the exact same headings on the files so they match up.
Genealogy Software--Invest in a program such as Family Tree Maker, or use a free online service like Ancestry.com. It will take time to enter all the information, but you will be able to view and print family trees or pedigree information and share it with others.
You will probably find that a combination of these will be best. Some documents will scan well, some will not. And it's always good to keep backup copies of your files.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
March 12 is Genealogy Day
Part One--Organizing Your Research
There has been a growing interest in researching ancestors to discover who we are and where we come from. Perhaps we are hoping for a link to someone famous, or a member of royalty. Perhaps we want to know our family health history. Or maybe you are adopted and want to research your biological family.
Whatever the reason, the internet provides a wonderful opportunity for performing this research. Years ago, any requests for birth certificates, death certificates or marriage records had to be done in writing. You also had to be very specific with your request, providing more than just a surname and approximate date.
Online databases make today's searches quick and easy. Sometimes with as little information as a surname and state, you can find a list of possible family members. Of course, the more common the name, the more results you'll have to weed through. If you are searching for "John Smith" who was born in Chicago sometime in the early 1900s, your results will be much lengthier than if you were searching the surname "Pulaski."
With this wealth of information also comes a wealth of papers. Once you find census records or a birth certificate online, you'll want to print it. Depending on the size of your family, you can end up with hundreds of pieces of paper. You will need to keep them organized in order to be able to reference them again. There is no one "right" way to organize your papers. It all depends on what you are comfortable with. Below are some suggestions for storing all your documenation.
Organizing Your Research
By Surname--Create a file for every surname that appears in your family tree.
By Couple or Family--Group papers together by family unit. Every mother/father/offspring will have their own folder. If the offspring have families of their own, a new folder is created.
By Family Line--Group members by following a family line. This may be a grandparent, or whatever level you decide.
By Event--This method groups like documents together. All birth records, death records, marriage certificates, wills, etc., would have their own folder.
Once your papers are sorted into these large categories, you can further sort them into more detailed categories.
By Location--For each surname, further divide into city or state, or country of residence.
By Record Type--Separate all birth certificates, for example, or military records.
By Individual--Perhaps you began with surname. You can then create another interior file for each person with that surname.
Part One--Organizing Your Research
There has been a growing interest in researching ancestors to discover who we are and where we come from. Perhaps we are hoping for a link to someone famous, or a member of royalty. Perhaps we want to know our family health history. Or maybe you are adopted and want to research your biological family.
Whatever the reason, the internet provides a wonderful opportunity for performing this research. Years ago, any requests for birth certificates, death certificates or marriage records had to be done in writing. You also had to be very specific with your request, providing more than just a surname and approximate date.
Online databases make today's searches quick and easy. Sometimes with as little information as a surname and state, you can find a list of possible family members. Of course, the more common the name, the more results you'll have to weed through. If you are searching for "John Smith" who was born in Chicago sometime in the early 1900s, your results will be much lengthier than if you were searching the surname "Pulaski."
With this wealth of information also comes a wealth of papers. Once you find census records or a birth certificate online, you'll want to print it. Depending on the size of your family, you can end up with hundreds of pieces of paper. You will need to keep them organized in order to be able to reference them again. There is no one "right" way to organize your papers. It all depends on what you are comfortable with. Below are some suggestions for storing all your documenation.
Organizing Your Research
By Surname--Create a file for every surname that appears in your family tree.
By Couple or Family--Group papers together by family unit. Every mother/father/offspring will have their own folder. If the offspring have families of their own, a new folder is created.
By Family Line--Group members by following a family line. This may be a grandparent, or whatever level you decide.
By Event--This method groups like documents together. All birth records, death records, marriage certificates, wills, etc., would have their own folder.
Once your papers are sorted into these large categories, you can further sort them into more detailed categories.
By Location--For each surname, further divide into city or state, or country of residence.
By Record Type--Separate all birth certificates, for example, or military records.
By Individual--Perhaps you began with surname. You can then create another interior file for each person with that surname.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part Four
Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part Four of our February Series
22. Keep your cell phone charging. If the power goes out, it will still be at full strength. If you are in your car, keep it charging while you drive so it doesn’t drain.
23. Check transportation schedules before you go. If you take a train or bus, check to see if they are on time and running a full schedule. You may be stuck at work if they cancel trains. Do you have a place to stay if that happens? Don’t get caught walking or driving to the station, only to find out al trains have been canceled.
24. Call your destination before you go. If you are scheduled to work or fly, check to see that your place of work is open or flights are still operating. If you must shop or get gas, call first before venturing out.
25. Check on any elderly neighbors, friends or relatives. Do they need help shoveling out? Did they lose power? Do they have enough food?
26. Don’t go out unless absolutely necessary. Not only will this keep you safe, but less drivers means less chance for accidents, and a better opportunity to plow and salt streets. Listen to the news before you go.
27. Use the time as quality time with your family. Make it a movie or game night. Share stories in front of the fire, or bake some cookies.
We can't always predict when a catasrophe will happen, but if we are prepared, the journey home will be much easier.
22. Keep your cell phone charging. If the power goes out, it will still be at full strength. If you are in your car, keep it charging while you drive so it doesn’t drain.
23. Check transportation schedules before you go. If you take a train or bus, check to see if they are on time and running a full schedule. You may be stuck at work if they cancel trains. Do you have a place to stay if that happens? Don’t get caught walking or driving to the station, only to find out al trains have been canceled.
24. Call your destination before you go. If you are scheduled to work or fly, check to see that your place of work is open or flights are still operating. If you must shop or get gas, call first before venturing out.
25. Check on any elderly neighbors, friends or relatives. Do they need help shoveling out? Did they lose power? Do they have enough food?
26. Don’t go out unless absolutely necessary. Not only will this keep you safe, but less drivers means less chance for accidents, and a better opportunity to plow and salt streets. Listen to the news before you go.
27. Use the time as quality time with your family. Make it a movie or game night. Share stories in front of the fire, or bake some cookies.
We can't always predict when a catasrophe will happen, but if we are prepared, the journey home will be much easier.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part Three
Part Three--Preparing for a Winter Storm
15. Do you have medications that will be expiring in the next few days? Fill them now, in case you can’t get out during or after the storm.
16. Have plenty of cash on hand. ATM machines may not be working or you may need to pay/tip service personnel.
17. Keep your pets safe in this weather. Protect their feet by using a de-icer that is safe for their paws. If you walk them, watch for salt on the streets, and wipe their feet when they come inside. Check for salt between their toes.
18. Do not let pets stay outside too long in severe weather. Although they have fur coats, they are still susceptible to exposure. Dry them off when they come inside.
19. If you anticipate a winter storm on a day you have a doctor’s appointment or other such engagement, cancel them ahead of time, rather than on that day, so the office can schedule their staff accordingly.
20. Stock up on firewood. If your heat goes out, this may be your only source of warmth.
21. What alternate power sources do you have if the electricity goes out? Purchase a generator to at least keep minimum power on. Have new batteries for your flashlights. If you use candles, never leave them unattended in a room.
15. Do you have medications that will be expiring in the next few days? Fill them now, in case you can’t get out during or after the storm.
16. Have plenty of cash on hand. ATM machines may not be working or you may need to pay/tip service personnel.
17. Keep your pets safe in this weather. Protect their feet by using a de-icer that is safe for their paws. If you walk them, watch for salt on the streets, and wipe their feet when they come inside. Check for salt between their toes.
18. Do not let pets stay outside too long in severe weather. Although they have fur coats, they are still susceptible to exposure. Dry them off when they come inside.
19. If you anticipate a winter storm on a day you have a doctor’s appointment or other such engagement, cancel them ahead of time, rather than on that day, so the office can schedule their staff accordingly.
20. Stock up on firewood. If your heat goes out, this may be your only source of warmth.
21. What alternate power sources do you have if the electricity goes out? Purchase a generator to at least keep minimum power on. Have new batteries for your flashlights. If you use candles, never leave them unattended in a room.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part Two
Continuing our series--Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part 2
Here are more tips for keeping safe in the cold winter months.
8. Always keep extra food and beverages in your car. This includes water, energy bars, etc. Select items that are not perishable and keep well in cold weather.
9. Keep an extra hat, scarf and pair of mittens or gloves in your car. In case you get stranded while driving, you will have something to keep warm if you left the house without these items.
10. Make sure you have plenty of gas in car. Snow usually means longer travel times. Sitting in traffic uses up fuel, so fill up before the storm.
11. Keep salt or sand and a small shovel in your trunk. If you get stuck in a drift or pile of snow, this will help get you out of your predicament.
12. Are your tires in good shape? Bald tires provide poor traction. If you haven’t checked your tires lately, take your car in for servicing.
13. Are your brakes working? Check fluid levels. Also, have a mechanic check your brake pads for wear. If they are starting to get bad, replace them now, before all the ‘stop and go’ you’ll be doing in a storm.
14. Have enough food in your home for at least three full days of meals, ideally a week in case you can’t get out, or the trucks can’t get to the stores to deliver.
Here are more tips for keeping safe in the cold winter months.
8. Always keep extra food and beverages in your car. This includes water, energy bars, etc. Select items that are not perishable and keep well in cold weather.
9. Keep an extra hat, scarf and pair of mittens or gloves in your car. In case you get stranded while driving, you will have something to keep warm if you left the house without these items.
10. Make sure you have plenty of gas in car. Snow usually means longer travel times. Sitting in traffic uses up fuel, so fill up before the storm.
11. Keep salt or sand and a small shovel in your trunk. If you get stuck in a drift or pile of snow, this will help get you out of your predicament.
12. Are your tires in good shape? Bald tires provide poor traction. If you haven’t checked your tires lately, take your car in for servicing.
13. Are your brakes working? Check fluid levels. Also, have a mechanic check your brake pads for wear. If they are starting to get bad, replace them now, before all the ‘stop and go’ you’ll be doing in a storm.
14. Have enough food in your home for at least three full days of meals, ideally a week in case you can’t get out, or the trucks can’t get to the stores to deliver.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part One
Back in 1967, the blizzard that hit Chicago caught the city and its residents by surprise. In 2011, with better technology and communications, we knew it was coming. That didn't make it any easier. But it did give us time to prepare. Here are some things you should do to prepare for a winter storm.
1. Is your snowblower working properly? If you had it serviced in the fall, you are probably in good shape. But try starting it anyway, so you can take it in BEFORE the snow arrives.
2. Even if your snowblower is working, do you have gas and oil for it? Have an extra gallon of gas on hand also. If there is a lot of snow, you will need to run it for longer than usual.
3. Are your shovels in good condition? Are the edges straight and even, or nicked and bent? Do you have a plastic shovel for wooden stairs and decks?
4. Purchase several bags or buckets of salt/de-icer. You can not only use it while it's snowing, but also when it starts to melt and turns into ice on your walks or driveway. If you have pets, purchase the pet-friendly de-icer for areas they use.
5. Wear warm clothing when shoveling. Wear layers, rather than one heavy coat. A turtleneck, hoodie and windbreaker work great for keeping you warm and dry. Remember a scarf and hat also. Two thin pair of socks under waterproof boots are best, and gloves under mittens will keep hands warm.
6. Be careful shoveling. Even those in the best shape can injure themselves if they aren't careful. Push rather than lift, keep piles low, and know when you have had enough. Do the work in smaller increments if the snow is heavy.
7. Winds will be strong. Secure all belongings outside, including furniture, garbage cans and tarps.
1. Is your snowblower working properly? If you had it serviced in the fall, you are probably in good shape. But try starting it anyway, so you can take it in BEFORE the snow arrives.
2. Even if your snowblower is working, do you have gas and oil for it? Have an extra gallon of gas on hand also. If there is a lot of snow, you will need to run it for longer than usual.
3. Are your shovels in good condition? Are the edges straight and even, or nicked and bent? Do you have a plastic shovel for wooden stairs and decks?
4. Purchase several bags or buckets of salt/de-icer. You can not only use it while it's snowing, but also when it starts to melt and turns into ice on your walks or driveway. If you have pets, purchase the pet-friendly de-icer for areas they use.
5. Wear warm clothing when shoveling. Wear layers, rather than one heavy coat. A turtleneck, hoodie and windbreaker work great for keeping you warm and dry. Remember a scarf and hat also. Two thin pair of socks under waterproof boots are best, and gloves under mittens will keep hands warm.
6. Be careful shoveling. Even those in the best shape can injure themselves if they aren't careful. Push rather than lift, keep piles low, and know when you have had enough. Do the work in smaller increments if the snow is heavy.
7. Winds will be strong. Secure all belongings outside, including furniture, garbage cans and tarps.
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