A few helpful tips for the beginner genealogist

Here are a few helpful tips for the person wanting to begin researching their family tree:

1.) Write down everything you know about your family. Names, places and dates are important. Estimate dates if you don't know them. If you don't know the person's full name, write down their first names or even nicknames. This may be of importance later. Include information about cousins, aunts and uncles and other family members that are closely related to you. Put this information on forms and/or in a database. Here is a link to free forms that you may print out and use. Here is a list of free genealogy database software that you can download on to your computer. Whatever database you use, make sure that it is GEDCOM based. If it is GEDCOM based, you can transfer data from one type of software to another.

2.) Look for documents you can use - photos, birth certificates, newspaper clippings (especially obituaries), letters, etc. Keep them safe. Make copies of them.

3.) Interview older living relatives. Ask them specific questions about specific family members, dates, places, events, and relationships. Ask follow up questions. Record this information either in writing, or, better yet, on video or audio. If you do record it on video or audio, you may also write it down, too, as video and audio is not always permanent.

4.) Write down where you get your sources. If you interview a relative, write down their name, and when and where you talked to them. If it is a document, write down what the document is (including page numbers, publication information if necessary, etc.) and where you got it. For how to cite sources, click here.
 
5.) Then begin doing other research - visit libraries, courthouses, collect documents from other family members, etc. Work at your own pace - don't let anyone push you.Where should you look? Here are a few resources:

* FamilySearch.org

* Family History Centers.

* Albuquerque Genealogy Center

* New Mexico Genealogical Society

* Hispanic Genealogical Research Center

* New Mexico Genealogical Society Facebook Page (you must have a Facebook account to join.)

7.) And lastly, publish! After you collect information, make sure to publish it somewhere. Whether it is a blog, a handout you give to family members, or a book - publish your information. Share it with the world, or at least with your family.

I hope this helps!

- Robert Baca
President, New Mexico Genealogical Society

NMGS Website

Have you visited the NMGS website lately?

* Did you know that you find out about the next programs that we are presenting?

* Did you know that you find out about programs put on by other organizations?

* Did you know that you can find out about new publications by our organization, and that you are able to see a catalogue of all of our books online? (You may order them by printing out a form from the site.)

* Did you know that we have a Locating Catholic Church Records page, and that you can find where just about any sacramental records may be?

* Did you know we have links to the Beyond Origins website, an updated Martin Serrano genealogy, Burial Records in the Rio Abajo, New Mexico Roots, Ltd., and many other great resources?

* Did you know that you can print up a membership form so that you can become a member of NMGS?

Well, now you do. Visit the NMGS website today at www.nmgs.org

NM Genealogist Index, Dec. 2011, Vol. 50, No. 4

NM Genealogist Index, Dec. 2011, Vol. 50, No. 4

The latest issue of the New Mexico Genealogist (Dec. 2011, Vol. 50, No. 4) contains an Index to Names and Subjects which is incorrect.

Here is the correct version.

We at NMGS apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

Too early for Christmas shopping?

Nah, it's never too early to shop for Christmas, especially in these unsure economic times. I know plenty of people who begin shopping in October. Heck, a certain retail store - that will remain nameless here - is already advertising for layaway.

Are you one of those people who shop early. Are you thinking about shopping at Amazon.com? Well, if you are, consider shopping through the NMGS's link for Amazon.com . (The Albuquerque Genealogical Society also sponsors this link.) If you shop through us, a percentage of the proceeds will go towards our fund. That fund is only used to buy books for the Albuquerque Special Collections Library.

To buy books from our link, you can either:

* Go to the NMGS website and click on the Amazon.com link under the "Bookstore" heading; or,

* Go to the side margin of this blog and click on the Amazon.com link; or,

* Simply click on this link.

By the way, the books from the NMGS Bookstore also make great gifts for your favorite genealogist, even your favorite genealogist is yourself. Click on this link to purchase our books.

The Bookstore

The NMGS web site has a way to get books for your own library, while at the same time generating some extra income for the Special Collections branch of Albuquerque's Public Library. Simply, be sure to use a link from the NMGS web site to get to Amazon.com. When you make a purchase, a portion of the sale is credited toward a gift certificate for the library's use. Admittedly, it is only a small portion of each sale, but stocking, shipping, and payments are handled by Amazon.com instead of NMGS volunteers. It's a win/win idea. A good idea to remember for buying Christmas gifts, too.

On the other hand, the books published by the New Mexico Genealogical Society (a full list is at www.nmgs.org/books.htm) are stocked, packaged, and mailed by our volunteers. Payment is made directly to NMGS.