10 Genealogy Goals for the New Year and How to Achieve Them
10 Genealogy Goals for the New Year and How to Achieve Them
The start of a new year is the perfect time to set goals for your family history research. Whether you're just beginning your genealogy journey or have years of experience, having clear objectives can help you stay focused, organized, and inspired throughout the year. In my post, I will share with you 10 achievable genealogy goals, along with actionable tips and strategies to help you meet them.
1. Break Down a Brick Wall
Every genealogist or family historian encounters a "brick wall"— a seemingly insurmountable challenge in their research. It could be an ancestor whose birth record can’t be located, a surname that changes unexpectedly, or a family mystery that remains unresolved. Breaking through these barriers is one of the most satisfying achievements in genealogy.
How to Achieve It:
Revisit existing records: Sometimes the answers are hidden in records you’ve already reviewed. Look for clues you might have missed, such as neighbors, witnesses, or variations in names.
Explore new record types: If traditional records haven’t worked, consider alternative sources like newspapers, probate files, or military records.
Join a genealogy group: Online forums, Facebook groups, and local societies are filled with people who might have experience with your specific challenge.
Example: A researcher struggling to trace an ancestor in the 1850s discovered that their ancestor’s surname had been misspelled in census records. By searching phonetic variations of the name, they uncovered the missing link.
Tip: Focus on one brick wall at a time and set a timeline for reviewing progress. Even small breakthroughs are worth celebrating.
2. Digitize Family Photos and Documents
Preserving old family photos and documents is one of the best ways to protect your family’s history for future generations. Digitizing these items not only safeguards them against damage but also makes them easier to share with relatives and include in your family tree.
How to Achieve It:
Organize first: Sort your photos and documents into categories such as family groups, events, or decades. Label them with as much information as you know. Don’t write on the back of the photo but on a label and fasten it to the bottom of the photo or on the back.
Choose your tools: Invest in a high-quality scanner or use a smartphone app like Photomyne or Google PhotoScan for quick scans. Ensure you have also copied the back of the photo if they have any comments written on them including date of printing.
Store and back up: Use cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or dedicated genealogy platforms like FamilySearch Memories to save your files.
Example: One family discovered a treasure trove of letters written during World War II. By scanning and transcribing the letters, they not only preserved the originals but also created a digital collection to share with descendants.
Tip: Create a naming system for your files, such as “[Surname][FirstName][Year],” to make them easier to locate later.
3. Expand Research to a New Family Branch
It’s easy to focus on a single line of the family tree, but exploring a previously overlooked branch can lead to surprising discoveries. These branches often contain stories and connections that broaden your understanding of your family’s history. Sometimes you are fortunate enough to uncover some missing information.
How to Achieve It:
Start small: Identify a branch where you have little information, and begin by collecting basic details such as birth, marriage, and death records.
Utilize DNA matches: If you’ve taken a DNA test, use cousin matches to identify relatives from this branch. Contact matches and share information to build out the tree together.
Explore location-based records: Focus on local sources where this branch lived, such as church records, city directories, and newspapers.
Example: A researcher who had focused exclusively on their paternal line decided to explore their maternal side. By doing so, they uncovered a rich history of immigration from Eastern Europe and connected with distant cousins who shared family photos.
Tip: Use a genealogy research log to keep track of what you’ve found and what you’re looking for in this branch.
4. Organize Your Genealogy Workspace
Genealogy often involves juggling physical documents, digital files, notebooks, and software. An organized workspace can help you work more efficiently and avoid losing important information.
How to Achieve It:
Declutter regularly: Dedicate a day to sort through your workspace. File loose papers, discard duplicates, and organize photos into albums or storage boxes.
Use digital tools: Genealogy software like RootsMagic or Ancestry.com can help you manage your family tree and attach digital files to individual ancestors.
Label everything: Clearly mark folders, binders, and storage boxes so you can locate items quickly. Its becoming more common to retain digital records, if you are lucky enough to have originals its important to preserve those as well.
Example: A researcher struggling with scattered notes decided to digitize their findings using Evernote. They created notebooks for each family branch, tagged records by type (e.g., census, birth), and synced the files across devices.
Tip: Set up a filing system that separates materials by family line, geographic location, or record type—whichever works best for you.
5. Start a Family History Journal
A family history journal is not just for recording discoveries—it’s a place to reflect on your research process and capture personal insights. This journal can become a valuable resource for future genealogists in your family.
How to Achieve It:
Choose a format: Use a physical notebook or a digital platform like Google Docs, Evernote, or journaling apps.
Include prompts: Write about what inspired you to start your genealogy journey, challenges you’ve faced, and memorable discoveries.
Involve family members: Encourage relatives to add their own stories, memories, or perspectives to the journal.
Example: One researcher included photos of ancestors, maps of migration routes, and even humorous anecdotes about their research missteps. This made the journal both informative and entertaining for their family.
Tip: Dedicate time each week or month to update your journal, ensuring it remains a living document.
6. Attend a Genealogy Webinar or Conference
Staying informed about new resources and techniques is essential for advancing your research. Genealogy webinars and conferences provide opportunities to learn from experts and connect with fellow researchers.
How to Achieve It:
Research events: Look for local genealogy society meetings, online webinars, or large conferences like RootsTech.
Prepare in advance: Review the schedule, choose sessions relevant to your goals, and come with questions.
Apply what you learn: After the event, make a plan to incorporate new strategies or tools into your research.
Example: A beginner family historian attended a session on immigration records at RootsTech and discovered new databases that helped them locate ship manifests for their ancestors.
Tip: Many webinars offer recordings, so you can revisit the material at your own pace.
7. Connect with Living Relatives
Genealogy is about more than documents—it’s also about family connections. Talking with relatives can provide firsthand accounts, stories, and details that aren’t recorded anywhere else.
How to Achieve It:
Schedule interviews: Use tools like Zoom or a voice recorder to capture your conversations.
Share your findings: Create a family newsletter or host a virtual gathering to keep relatives informed about your research.
Build relationships: Reach out to DNA matches and distant cousins, even if they live far away.
Example: A researcher interviewed their 90-year-old grandmother and learned about family traditions, recipes, and events that brought their family tree to life.
Tip: Send a thank-you note or small gift to relatives who contribute their time or stories.
8. Learn About a New Record Type
Expanding your knowledge of different record types can open new doors in your research. Records like wills, military pensions, and tax rolls often provide overlooked details about ancestors.
How to Achieve It:
Choose a focus: Pick one type of record to study, and research how to access and interpret it.
Apply it to your tree: Look for ancestors who lived during the time period when these records were created.
Join a workshop: Many genealogy societies offer tutorials on navigating specific records.
Example: A researcher unfamiliar with probate records discovered a will that not only named heirs but also detailed property holdings and debts, offering a richer picture of their ancestor’s life.
Tip: Keep a record of what you’ve learned for future reference, as this knowledge can benefit other branches of your tree.
9. Create a Family Tree for Younger Generations
Engaging younger family members in genealogy can help them appreciate their roots and heritage. A simple family tree can spark their curiosity and inspire them to learn more.
How to Achieve It:
Use visuals: Create a colorful, easy-to-read chart that highlights direct ancestors and interesting facts.
Make it interactive: Use apps or software like FamilySearch Tree or Ancestry's Tree Builder to make the experience engaging.
Share stories: Include anecdotes, photos, or mementos to make ancestors feel real and relatable.
Example: A parent created a scrapbook-style family tree with their children, including drawings, handwritten notes, and photos, making it a fun bonding activity.
Tip: Focus on stories that resonate with younger audiences, such as an ancestor’s adventurous journey or a famous relative.
10. Share Your Family History Story
One of the most rewarding aspects of genealogy is sharing your findings with others. This could be through a written book, a scrapbook, a blog, or even a presentation.
How to Achieve It:
Choose a format: Decide whether you want to write a detailed narrative, create a photo album, or present a slideshow.
Tailor to your audience: Highlight aspects of your research that will resonate most with family members, such as humorous stories or notable achievements.
Preserve for the future: Print copies of your work or save it in a durable digital format for future generations.
Example: A researcher compiled their findings into a photo book that included stories, maps, and documents, gifting it to relatives during a family reunion.
Tip: Use storytelling techniques to make your family history compelling and memorable.
Staying Motivated Throughout the Year
Genealogy is a journey, not a race. While it’s important to set goals, be flexible and enjoy the process of discovery. Celebrate milestones and don’t hesitate to revisit goals if challenges arise. Remember, each small step you take brings you closer to understanding your family’s story.
Conclusion
By setting clear, manageable goals, you can make 2025 your most productive year of genealogy yet. Whether it’s solving a decades-old mystery, preserving treasured memories, or inspiring younger generations, these goals will ensure you make meaningful progress in your family history journey.
