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What forms are available to organize genealogy information?

Home » Genealogy » Organizing and Documenting Your Family History Information » What forms are available to organize genealogy information?
Posted by Your Guide on July 6, 2006 9:49 PM

The forms in your genealogy research are what keep you organized and on track as you gather information. Keeping organized records from the beginning will help the flow of information make sense and keep the pieces of paper from overtaking your life. Maintaining neat files and records is half the battle.

There are forms for almost every type of research in genealogy. The forms below are the most common, but if you are looking for something specific, an online search for "genealogy forms" will yield many more.

Forms:

• Family Group Record - For compiling data about one set of parents and their children. A separate Family Group Record is created for each marriage and/or family.

• Pedigree Chart - For showing the direct ancestors for one individual. These forms usually show from three to six generations on one page.

• Census Extraction Form - There are extraction forms for each of the census years. Each form is designed to make recording of census information for one family easier.

• Circular, Bow-tie, or Fan Shaped Pedigree Wall Chart - These charts show up to 15 generations of ancestors for one individual.

• Time Line Chart - Time line charts show a set amount of time and the people and events that are significant in that time frame.

• Cemetery Transcription Form - Cemetery Transcription forms allow researchers to transcribe cemetery inscriptions, but also allow cemetery mapping to show graves in relationship to landmarks or each other.

• Research log - Research logs allow you to record not only which libraries or places you have searched, but also in which books, microfilms, and other records you have browsed.

• Correspondence Log - Correspondence Logs are used to keep track of anyone with whom you are in contact by mail, phone, or email.

• Family Relationship Chart - The Family Relationship Chart is a quick reference guide to show one individual's relationship to another.

• Marriage Index Extraction Form -Marriage Record Index Forms provide organized spaces for the names off the bride and groom, date of license, and date of marriage. Some forms also provide space for witnesses, bondsmen, etc.

• Table of Contents for File Form - A Table of Contents form at the front of a file gives a complete picture of all the documents in a file at a glance.

• Descendants Chart - This is a list of all the recorded descendants for one ancestor.

These are just a few of the basic forms, but there are many others. Many websites offer these forms as free downloads. Others are easily printed from within your genealogy software.



Next Page: Filing systems for genealogy - Be organized from the start to keep the papers from overtaking your office, home or garage.

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