By Sean J. Logan, Genealogist, Clan Logan Society International
NOTE: This is a summary of the article in the Member Services members-only section.
I would like to share my learning journey as I went from an aspiring genealogist to my current role as the Genealogist for the Clan Logan Society International.
I started by using the tool #1 the amazing work done by four of my family members. You can build off the work done by others. Then I realized that I needed to combine them into a single-family tree.
I searched for what would be tool #2, my primary family tree software. Doing a bit of internet research, I realized that there is no one best “tree builder” out there. Some specialize in specific regions, some focus on specific sources of primary data, some promote collaboration, and then there are the hundreds (maybe thousands) of niche sites fulfilling a very specific goal.
Then I learned the value and traps of tool #3, primary and secondary data. most family tree software provides access to a tremendous amount of data. My quickest lesson learned was to treat all secondary data as a hint. Primary data is incredibly valuable, but sometimes can lead the researcher astray.
When family tree information run dry, I turn to tool #4, internet archive data. A researcher can find great information without leaving the desk. This includes the U.S. archives, churches, and other direct sources. A key resource is www.familysearch.org which provides access for digitized records and guidance for how to get data that is not digitized.
However not everything is digitized, so consider tool #5, archive data not on the internet. In this case one must either go to the source or pay someone to get the data.
No one can find everything and that is where tool #6, communities can be of great value. Sites such as Wikitree can create a globally collaborative approach to building trees, citing and arguing about data. It is best to make sure that conclusions are supported by the data.
You can increase your skills with tool #7, ongoing education. A starting point could be the many books on genealogy, DNA, writing family histories, and much more. Most are available for free via the library, and even as audio books. There are also genealogical societies that offer more formal classes.
Finally, there is tool #8, DNA testing. Once a tree is populated, it may make sense to consider taking one or all three of the main DNA tests available: autosomal DNA (atDNA), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and yDNA tests.
If you are Delegate or Alternate of a COSCA Organizational Member, you can access the complete article here: https://www.cosca.scot/genealogy-toolbox.