Genealogy Forms You'll Need for Your Research

If you are just entering the field of Genealogy or have been at it for a while then it's important to keep all your research organized. Yes there are genealogy software you can purchase, install into your computer and input individual information of people in but you also have to keep other types of paper records just for your sanity and paper records you would give to your clients. Here is a list of the different types of forms that you should be using for any and all genealogy research.

First we will start with the Family Group Sheet

This is basically a sheet that you fill out on each individual that you are researching and keep in each folder. It includes the given name, surname, and date of birth, death and marriage, place of birth, death and marriage and parents names; name of spouse, birth info, death info and parent's names. If there was any children born to this couple, their names, birth, death, and marriage. There are many Family Group Sheets out there but the one I like is here. The other ones I find don't give you much room to fill in your information.

Next is the Pedigree Chart

On this form you start with the person you are researching and put as much information you already know, off the top of your head. The pedigree chart usually is a 4-generation chart. You will number males as the even numbers and females as the odd numbers. Fill out one form for each person you want to research. Try to keep this form updated as much as possible when you find new information. This will help you at a quick glance. You can get a free form here.

Next is the Research Log

This form is where you should keep trace of all sources you have searched. I admit I'm bad at this but if you stay consistent with your recording as you search you will not waist your time searching the same site twice. It will include the date you searched, name of the source, the information you were seeking and references. You can get a free research log here.

Next is the Correspondence Log

This form is where you will record all the correspondence you have with other people. Letter writing and receiving letters, phone calls and you can also attach copies of your emails to this form. Keep one or more correspondence log per person. Here is the form I use.

Next are the Census forms

When doing census research you will find that for each decade census are different. You will also find that it is hard to read the census headings since you are looking at scanned or microfilmed copies. Censuses are an invaluable tool for the researcher so you will want to copy the information that you find on the individual you are searching for on your form. Don't forget to list the sources you got the information from. You can get copies of all the census forms that were used at Ancestory.com or at Family Tree Magazine.

Next the Resource Checklist

This form is an excellent way of keeping trace of what you have done and what you need to look for. Just check off what you did and work from there. I keep one of these on every person I research. You can locate one here.

Many Other forms There are lots of other forms out there for you to use like: Cemetery Record, Migration Chart, Deed Research Notes, Census Check List, Statewide Marriage Index, Military Records Check List, Interview Tracking, and the Ahnentafel Table. You can find these plus many more forms at some of the sites I have used above. There are different layouts of all forms so you are able to choose the form you like best. I'm not saying you have to use all these forms; I didn't when I started out and not everyone likes using so many loose papers. For me I just feel more organized. By using forms you can keep yourself organized and your time will be well spent!