Managing a Genealogical Project Updated Edition [Paperback]

William Dollarhide (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 080631222X | ISBN-13: 978-0806312224 | Publication Date: May 1, 1999

This work focuses on a particular method of organizing research materials. Its unique system of organization takes you from the preliminary stage of your research to the final presentation of your work as a report or a book. The system, an outgrowth of the Dollarhide System of Genealogical Records, enables you to manage a genealogical project with maximum ease and efficiency. The first section of the book covers the three basic types of the projects--pedigrees, lineages, and descendancies. The second section tells how to organize notes and keep paperwork to a minimum, while the third section shows the various methods of cross-referencing notes for purposes of retrieval and evaluation. Section four describes ahnentafel numbering, and section five descendancy numbering and the merits of the three main numbering systems--the Register, Record, and Henry systems--plus Dollarhide's own combined Ahnentafel/Henry numbering system. Then there is a section on the applications of computer software to the project and a section on diagramming techniques and methods of presenting a pedigree or descendancy in polished form. Finally there is a set of nine master forms to be used in this work, and they can be easily photocopied and used as often as needed. Updated in 1999, this edition of Managing a Genealogical Project features new material on computer software and CD databases.

Product Details

• Paperback: 98 pages
• Publisher: Genealogical Publishing Company (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080631222X
• ISBN-13: 978-0806312224
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #513,829 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Genealogy just got easier!, January 7, 2000

By 

DearMYRTLE (Bellevue, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Managing a Genealogical Project Updated Edition (Paperback)

Folks who listened to Sierra Home's Generations: Find Your Roots webcast Wednesday evening were thrilled to hear from well-known genealogy author William Dollarhide. Put his Managing a Genealogical Project in the categories of how-to and getting organized as Bill's concepts hit the nail on the head in both heretofore overwhelming divisions!

This book's size is even comforting... not too heavy, nor is the reading. Bill's naturally outgoing and informative style comes shining through as he deftly explains the basics of:

-- Sample forms

-- Types of genealogical projects

-- Collecting references

-- Retrieving notes and compiling family sheets

-- Ahnentafel numbering

-- Descendancy numbering

-- Using a computer

-- Presentation techniques

-- Research journals & logs

To get you started, Bill provides a set of master forms, which I like to use when ferreting out family relationships at a library or archive in the heat of research (aka miles from my home!)

Perhaps ten years ago, I attended an all-day seminar given by Bill at our local Manasota Genealogical Society. He did a masterful job of explaining the different numbering systems which otherwise confuse people using Section 5 of an earlier edition of this book. Even though our genealogy programs will typically follow the numbering system we specify when printing out book versions of our data, Bill's explanation of them makes our editorial decisions easier.

Register System - This descendancy numbering system was first used in the New England historic Genealogical Society's periodical, The New England Historical and Genealogical Register.

1. Father - full details

2.a. first child - birth/death

3.b. second child - birth/death

2. Second child - full details

a. child (dies with no issue)

4.b. child - birth/death

5.c. child - birth/death

Modified Register System - Variation of the register system was adapted by the New York Genealogical & Biographical Record and later by the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. See page 35 for details.

The Henry Numbering System -- In this system, the number identifies the blood-line descendant, as well as the lineage back to number 1. Each number is a discrete identification number, an indication of birth order and the number of generations removed from the person who starts the descendancy. p36-38.

Yes, I *know* that quote sounds confusing, but you'll easily decipher its meaning by reading Managing a Genealogy Project.

Myrt :)

DearMYRTLE,

Daily Genealogy Columnist

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, October 2, 2011

By 

Zoolu - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Managing a Genealogical Project Updated Edition (Paperback)

I think this book is a huge help for those just starting to get into family history. It shows you how to keep all of the mounds of paper organized and to avoid backtracking and duplicate research. Even if you have already jumped into the search, it teaches you how to get things in quick order. It's simple once you get it down with the advice in this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Publication printed on newsprint-quality paper, September 26, 2011

By 

J - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Managing a Genealogical Project Updated Edition (Paperback)

Publication is older than I realized and is printed on low-quality, newsprint-quality paper which is significantly yellowed. Also, the emphasis appears to be on managing a genealogy project that is primarily on paper, rather than in electronic form. If I'd picked this book up in a used bookstore, I likely wouldn't have purchased it. Even so, there appears to be some content of relevance.