What is the purpose of a research notebook? It is very good in organizing material that you normally wouldn't keep with your family group sheets, pedigree sheets, and other specific family information. It is best to use a three ring binder with notebook paper, some printed forms, index dividers. Get a pack of sheet protectors as well. Organize the notebook in a way that is both convenient for you and makes sense to you.

Make one section for research logs, one for correspondence logs, one for cemeteries, one for trips, one for court house, one for library, etc. Divide it into sections that work for you. Now, are the specifics:

Research log: Use one sheet for each surname being researched. It is an excellent record of sources you have checked. Use a form that includes date, library, call number, author, title, and page. A variation can be used at the courthouse by substituting document box or index book for the title column and identification numbers in place of call number.

Correspondence log: Use one sheet for each surname being researched. Use a form that has columns for surname, date, correspondent, $spent (optional), comment, and answer. Use it to keep track of what correspondence is out and on what subject. The complete address of the correspondent can be shown here or kept in an address file. The more you correspond, the more valuable this record becomes.

If you decide to make a trip to a cemetery to see if you can find your "roots", be sure to bring along your notebook, several good pens or pencils, a sponge, a plastic bottle full of vinegar (get one that seals real well and won't leak!), chalk, pellon, a large black crayon, masking tape, scissors, a tape recorder and a camera. Wouldn't hurt to pack a backpack or tote to carry all these items in as you hike the cemetery, especially if it's a large cemetery.

Use the section for "cemetery"; and even make individual sections for each cemetery you visit if you like. For each cemetery, make a note of the exposure number of the picture you take of any relevant gravestone. Jot down info on where the gravestone is located, using landmarks or if you can draw a little, draw out a map. If the cemetery has a sexton's office, you could be provided with a map, (put it in a sheet protector) in this case jot down the location from the map. Then write down the transcription from the gravestone, exactly as it appears on the stone. (You could also tape record this information if you are alone and transcribe it when you return home. If you do so, describe clearly and in detail, don't want to get confused after the fact!) If your photo doesn't come out, using the note from the exposure number, you will know exactly which gravestone will need to be photographed again. Why photos? Many cemeteries are not maintained, they could be an old family cemetery in the woods, and while they may be here today and the gravestone is presently legible, after a time the same cemetery could be gone, or the writing could be totally illegible. This would be a very good reference for future generations.

It is recommended that a sponge saturated in vinegar will spruce up the stone for the camera. NEVER use a bristle brush on a stone. Chalk can highlight faded letters to improve the photo on dark stones (be sure to wash off chalk after you take your picture). On light colored stones, cut the necessary size of Pellon needed and tape it to the stone. Use the crayon to do a "rubbing" of the marker on the Pellon.

If your ancestor died in a specific town, check with the local history or genealogy society for the locations of all known cemeteries in the area. It's possible that they may have already indexed the legible stones and have published! If it's a church cemetery you could find information in the church books. Sometimes this might help with unmarked graves in particular. Some church records may be kept at a central depository for the faith. Furman University in Greenville has a collection of Baptist Church records. Usually the local historical or genealogy society could assist with this information. It wouldn't hurt to practice on local cemeteries before you venture out to distant towns and counties.

GOING ON A GENEALOGY
"TRIP" OR "VACATION"?

DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Being prepared can save you a lot of disappointment and heartache, not to mention the wasted time and money. Decide ahead of time which family or person you want to research. Make notes on your research log of the information you are looking for and file it in your notebook. Locate a map and plan your trip to make the most efficient use of your time. There are sites on the internet that will plot your trip and you can print a map. Tuck your map in a sheet protector in your notebook. Section part of your notebook for your research log forms, abstract, and extract forms. Put pedigree charts in your notebook for reference. Never, never carry your original documents with you. Your notes made ahead of time and pedigree charts should be sufficient. What if you accidently leave some of your information behind? Better to leave pedigree charts and research logs than original documents!

Make a section for your trip and make a list of all the locations you want to visit. Become familiar with resources available. List libraries and include the times they are open! See if they have a web page. Is their catalog online? Write the libraries that are not online and ask about their genealogical collections. Is there a college or university in the town? Check into collections at the college or university library. (Don't forget to find out their hours of operation. They could be open later than the county or city libraries and your could schedule to visit them later in the day.) Contact city and county courthouses and find our their hours, not to mention whether they are open or closed on holidays.

If you are staying overnight, make reservations. If a festival, holiday, convention, whatever is being held you could find yourself without a motel or hotel room!
Check out your local library and see if they have statewide indexes or published records for the area where you are traveling. You could find microfilm roll numbers or book page numbers which would cut down on research time. Are there regional archives or special collections you should visit? Some states have regional archives or regional libraries that may contain useful information.

Be sure to carry the tote with the supplies mentioned in the above cemetery records. Be sure to practice at local cemeteries before you go. Don't forget to carry pencils and include a sharpener or extra leads if using mechanical pencils. Many libraries or collections will not allow pens to be used. If you carry your laptop computer, have your battery charger packed or bring an extra battery. It wouldn't hurt to carry blank forms in case of problems with your computer. Plan wisely and be prepared!

Use your notebook for planning regular trips to the library or courthouse. Use a section for your research log forms and fill in the information on the forms that you are planning to research: census records, indexed cemetery publications, family history books, microfilm, etc. This will save you time for actual research when you arrive. Make a separate sheet for each family you plan to do research on and list the person and what information you are searching for on the sheet. Make sure as you do the research, indicate on the sheet where you looked and the results. In the section for abstracts or extracts, place a research log with a list of deeds, wills, etc that you are looking for in the front and fill in the appropriate abstract or extract sheets as you locate the information. Make notes on your list if you are unable to find particular items and where you looked for them that way you won't duplicate research on your next trip.

If you have any suggestions or helpful hints, please let me know. Sharing your information on organizing your records would be appreciated by all the people who are just starting out. Be generous with your knowledge gained during your research! Help out and send in your tips and suggestions. If you know of any central depositories of church records or a good place to find genealogical information, please share.

SCGS

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1/10/07