Embarking on a genealogy research trip is an exciting adventure that can uncover rich histories and personal stories about your ancestors.

Whether you’re tracing your roots across town or across the globe, taking the time to properly plan your research is crucial to ensuring a productive and fulfilling journey.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you maximize your time, resources, and discoveries so that you will have the perfect genealogy research trip.

1. Defining Your Goals

Defining your goals is a vital first step in planning a successful genealogy research trip. Clear goals will help you focus your research, make the most of your time, and ensure that you uncover the information you’re seeking.

To define your goals, follow these five steps.

Step 1: Identify your key questions.

Start by pinpointing the specific questions you want to answer about your family history. These questions will guide your research and help you determine which records or locations you need to visit.

Step 2: Determine your genealogy research focus.

Decide whether your trip will have a narrow or broad focus.

A narrow focus might involve researching a specific ancestor or family line, while a broader focus could include exploring the history of a particular region or community.

Step 3: Identify potential resources.

Think about the types of records and resources that might hold the information you need.

This could include vital records, census data, land deeds, military records, church registers, or personal letters and diaries. It could also include local experts such as genealogists or historical societies.

Step 4: Set realistic objectives.

Given the time and resources you have, set realistic and achievable objectives for your trip. It’s better to accomplish a few key goals thoroughly than to spread yourself too thin.

Step 5: Plan for contingencies.

Family history research often involves unexpected twists and turns. Plan for contingencies to ensure you can adapt to new information or obstacles.

Example of Goal Setting

Here’s an example of how you might define your goals for a genealogy research trip.

Key Questions:

• When and where was my great-great-grandfather, John Smith, born?

• What were the circumstances of his migration to the United States?

• Are there any living relatives in his hometown?

Research Focus:

• Focus on John Smith’s life and migration.

• Explore the historical context of his hometown in Ireland during the 19th century.

Potential Resources:

• Visit local archives in the town of his birth for birth and baptism records.

• Check passenger lists and immigration records at national archives.

• Contact local historical societies for information on Smith family history.

Realistic Objectives:

• Locate John Smith’s birth record and confirm his birth date.

• Find evidence of his immigration to the United States.

• Gather information on his family and any potential living relatives.

Contingency Planning:

• If birth records are unavailable, look for alternative sources like church records or local newspapers.

• Allocate time to visit additional archives if initial searches are unproductive.

• Be prepared to adjust focus if new leads or connections are discovered.

Defining your goals is a foundational step in planning a successful research trip. By identifying your key questions, determining your research focus, identifying potential resources, setting realistic objectives, and planning for contingencies, you’ll be well-prepared to uncover valuable insights about your family history.

Clear goals will help you stay focused, make efficient use of your time, and ensure a rewarding and productive trip.

2. Conducting Preliminary Research

Conducting preliminary research before your trip can save you time and increase your chances of finding valuable information. This preparatory phase involves gathering existing data, identifying key resources, and refining your research objectives.

Step 1: Gather existing information.

Begin by collecting all the information you already have about your family history. This includes documents, photographs, family trees, and stories passed down through generations.

Step 2: Utilize online databases.

Online databases can be a treasure trove of genealogical information. Use these resources to fill in gaps and gather more details about your ancestors.

Step 3: Research local repositories.

Identify local repositories that may hold records relevant to your research. These can include libraries, archives, courthouses, and historical societies.

Step 4: Review maps and geographic information.

Understanding the geography of your ancestors’ locations can provide valuable context and guide your research.

Step 5: Connect with other researchers.

Connecting with other genealogists can provide new leads and insights—especially if your research is taking you to a country where you may be unfamiliar with the research processes and/or language.

Engage with online communities and local groups to share information and seek advice.

Step 6: Create a genealogy research plan.

Based on the information you’ve gathered, create a detailed research plan. This plan will outline what you need to find and where you plan to find it.

Example of Preliminary Research

Here’s an example of how you might conduct preliminary research for a genealogy trip focused on an ancestor named Sarah Thompson.

Gather existing information:

• Collect family documents, including Sarah’s birth certificate, marriage license, and death record.

• Review the family tree to identify Sarah’s parents and siblings.

• Read through letters and diaries for mentions of Sarah and her family.

Utilize online databases:

• Search Ancestry.com for census records, birth records, and marriage records related to Sarah.

• Use FamilySearch.org to find church records or other documents not available on Ancestry.

• Check local newspaper archives for obituaries or announcements involving Sarah or her family.

Research local repositories:

• Identify the county courthouse for land and probate records.

• Look up the local historical society to see if they have any special collections related to Sarah’s town.

• Contact the local library to ask about their genealogy resources and any special collections.

Review maps and geographic information:

• Use historical maps to locate Sarah’s hometown and any significant landmarks.

• Investigate the migration routes that Sarah’s family may have taken.

• Check for changes in county boundaries that might affect where records are held.

Connect with other researchers:

• Join an online forum focused on genealogy research in the region where Sarah lived.

• Plan to attend a meeting of the local genealogical society in Sarah’s hometown.

• Reach out to distant relatives who may have additional information or documents.

Create a research plan:

• Prioritize finding Sarah’s parents’ birth and marriage records.

• Plan visits to the county courthouse, local library, and historical society.

• Allocate time for visiting Sarah’s hometown to see the family homestead and cemetery.

Conducting thorough preliminary research is a vital step in planning a successful genealogy research trip.

By gathering existing information, utilizing online databases, researching local repositories, reviewing geographic information, connecting with other researchers, and creating a detailed research plan, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your trip.

This preparation will help you uncover valuable insights and piece together the fascinating history of your family.

3. Planning Your Travel

Creating a detailed travel plan is essential for a successful research trip. A well-thought-out plan will help you stay organized, make efficient use of your time, and ensure you gather the information you need.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create an effective travel plan for your genealogy research trip.

Step 1: Make flexible travel arrangements.

When booking flights, hotels, and transportation, make sure to stick with flexible options that will allow you to make changes, as necessary.

This will help ensure that your ancestry research trip remains flexible and adaptable, allowing you to make the most of your journey into family history. 

Step 2: Develop a daily itinerary.

Plan out a daily schedule for your trip, allocating time for each research activity. Be sure to include time for travel, meals, and breaks.

Step 3: Prepare your materials.

Make sure you have all the tools and materials you need for your research. This includes both physical items and digital resources.

Step 4: Contact repositories in advance.

Reach out to the repositories you plan to visit to confirm their hours, access policies, and any requirements for accessing records.

Example of a Research Plan

Here’s an example of a research plan for a genealogy trip focused on tracing the lineage of an ancestor named James Walsh.

1. Research Locations:
   • Cork City Library, County Cork, Ireland
   • National Archives of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
   • Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, Ireland
2. Target Records:
   • Baptismal record for James Wilson (circa 1830, County Cork)
   • Land records for County Cork
   • Burial record and grave location at Glasnevin Cemetery
3. Daily Itinerary:
   • Day 1. Cork City Library
   • Day 2. National Archives of Ireland
   • Day 3. Glasnevin Cemetery
4. Materials:
   • Notebook, pens, laptop, portable scanner, camera
   • Copies of family tree, research notes, James Walsh’s death record
   • List of questions for archivists and librarians
5. Repositories:
   • Email Cork City Library to confirm access to baptismal records.
   • Call National Archives of Ireland to inquire about immigration records.
   • Schedule a meeting with a genealogy society in Dublin.
   • Verify visiting hours and policies for Glasnevin Cemetery.
6. Review and Adjustment:
   • Double-check all repository hours and travel arrangements.
   • Update research plan with any new information from preliminary research.
   • Share research plan with a family member for additional input.

Creating a detailed research plan is crucial for a productive genealogy research trip.

By defining your objectives, gathering preliminary information, identifying research locations, listing target records, developing a daily itinerary, preparing your materials, contacting repositories in advance, and reviewing your plan, you’ll be well-prepared to uncover valuable information about your family history.

A well-organized plan will help you make the most of your time and ensure a successful and rewarding trip.

4. Documenting Your Findings

Documenting your findings during a genealogy research trip is essential for preserving the information you uncover, maintaining an organized record of your research, and sharing your discoveries with others.

Step 1: Keep detailed research logs.

Create a research log template:

• Include columns for the date, repository, record type, names, dates, locations, and findings.
• Add space for notes on the source’s reliability, any follow-up actions, and relevant citations.

Use the research log consistently:

• Record each search, even if it doesn’t yield any results, to avoid duplicating efforts.
• Note any new leads or unexpected findings that emerge from your searches.

Example of a research log entry

Step 2: Take clear and comprehensive notes.

Use a structured format:

• Organize your notes by family line, type of record, or chronological order.
• Include headings and subheadings to make it easy to locate specific information later.

Record essential details:

• For each document, note the full citation, including the repository name, collection title, and reference numbers.
• Include names, dates, locations, relationships, and any other pertinent details.

Example of research notes

Step 3: Photograph and scan documents.

Capture and preserve valuable documents and photographs to help build a comprehensive family history archive.

Step 4: Record source citations.

Follow a standard citation format:

• Use a consistent citation format to ensure clarity and accuracy.
• Include the repository, collection title, item description, date, and any reference numbers.

Incorporate citations in your notes and reports:

• Include full citations in your research log, notes, and any reports or family trees you create.
• Ensure citations are detailed enough for others to locate the same records.

Example of Citation

County Archives, Birth Records, Book 3, Page 45, Birth Record of John Smith, January 1, 1830.

5. Organizing, Preserving, and Sharing Your Findings

After a genealogy research trip, organizing, preserving, and sharing your findings are crucial steps to ensure your hard work benefits you and others interested in your family history.

Here are some great ways to effectively manage these tasks.

Organizing Your Findings

Step 1: Review and consolidate your notes.

• Categorize notes: Sort your notes by family line, type of record, or chronological order.
• Highlight key information: Identify and highlight critical details such as names, dates, locations, and relationships.
• Integrate findings: Update your research logs and worksheets with any new information obtained during your trip.

Step 2: Digitize your documents.

• Scan physical documents: Use a scanner to digitize paper records, photographs, and other documents.
• Organize digital files: Create a structured folder system on your computer or cloud storage with clear, descriptive names for each file.
• Back up files: Regularly backup your digital files to an external hard drive and a cloud storage service to prevent data loss.

Example of File Naming Convention

               Smith_Family_Birth_Certificate_John_Smith_1830.pdf

               Wilson_Family_Obituary_Sarah_Wilson_1852.jpg

Step 3: Use genealogy software.

• Input data: Enter your findings into genealogy software such as Ancestry, Legacy Family Tree, or RootsMagic.
• Attach documents: Link digital copies of documents and photographs to individual records within the software.
• Create reports: Generate reports, charts, and family trees using the software’s built-in tools.

Step 4: Maintain physical copies.

• Create binders: Organize physical documents in binders, using dividers to separate different family lines or types of records.
• Label clearly: Clearly label each section and document for easy reference.
• Store safely: Keep binders in a safe, dry place to prevent damage from environmental factors.

Preserving Your Findings

Step 1: Use archival-quality materials.

• Acid-free paper: Print important documents and notes on acid-free paper to prevent deterioration.
• Protective sleeves: Store original documents and photographs in archival-quality sleeves or folders.
• Climate control: Keep your physical archives in a climate-controlled environment to protect against humidity, temperature fluctuations, and light exposure.

Step 2: Regularly update backups.

• External hard drives: Use multiple external hard drives to create regular backups of your digital files.
• Cloud storage: Utilize cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for additional backup and easy access.
• Update schedule: Set a regular schedule for updating backups to ensure all recent work is preserved.

Step 3: Maintain metadata and provenance.

• Document sources: Keep detailed records of where and how you obtained each piece of information.
• Track changes: Maintain a log of updates and changes made to your research over time.
• Include context: Provide context and explanations for your findings, ensuring that others can understand and verify your work.

Sharing Your Findings

Step 1: Create a family history book.

• Compile your research: Gather your findings and decide how to narrate the story of your ancestors’ lives.

• Consider hiring a family history book writer: If you are struggling with how to document your research findings, consider hiring a professional writer to help you create a cohesive narrative, highlighting significant events, stories, and discoveries.

• Add visuals: Include photographs, documents, maps, and family trees to enhance the narrative.
• Print and distribute: Contact a publisher or use a self-publishing service to print copies of your family history book for distribution to family members and local libraries.

Step 2: Share digitally.

• Upload to genealogy websites: Upload your family tree and research findings to genealogy websites like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, or FamilySearch.
• Create a blog or website: Start a blog or website to share your research, updates, and stories with a broader audience.
• Use social media: Share discoveries and updates on social media pages dedicated to genealogy, such as Facebook groups or LinkedIn pages.

Step 3: Present to family members.

• Organize a reunion: Plan a family reunion or virtual meeting to present your findings and share stories.
• Create presentations: Use presentation software to create engaging slideshows showcasing your research and discoveries.
• Distribute copies: Provide printed or digital copies of your family history book, reports, and charts to relatives.

Step 4: Collaborate with other researchers.

• Join genealogy societies: Become a member of local or regional genealogy societies to connect with other researchers and share findings.
• Attend conferences: Participate in genealogy conferences and workshops to present your research and learn from others.
• Engage with online communities: Join online forums and discussion groups to exchange information and collaborate with other genealogists.

Effectively organizing, preserving, and sharing your findings after a genealogy research trip ensures that your hard work is accessible, understandable, and appreciated by others.

By following a structured approach to document your research, using archival-quality materials for preservation, and engaging with various platforms to share your discoveries, you can create a lasting legacy of your family history for future generations to enjoy and build upon.

Conclusion

A genealogy research trip is a journey into your past that can reveal fascinating stories and connections. With careful planning and preparation, you can make the most of your time and uncover valuable insights about your ancestors.

By following the steps in this article, you’ll be well-prepared for a productive and enjoyable trip. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, so take the time to savor each discovery along the way. Happy researching!