Customer Reviews

Managing a Genealogical Project Updated Edition

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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.

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.

This updated book is one that I refer to frequently to assist me with a one of a genealogist's major problems, "Now where did I put that information about John Doe"? The author shares his system for organization of the various types of genealogical information that will inundate anyone who has a serious interest in family history if this info is not filed using a logical system. Bill Dollarhide has developed such a system, which he explains in detail in a clear and concise manner. He also explains other organizational systems in use today and lists their pros and cons, allowing one to choose the system best suited to their needs. I recommend it highly.

This is a very basic book which is more about which forms to use than "managing" a project. I was probably hoping for too much, since I am in the middle of trying to organize data plus come up with ideas to get past a dead end. It talks about numbering systems, lineages, and pedigrees, etc.

Although this is an older publication, the information is quite valuable, and easy to follow. I have utilized the information, and it has made my countless piles of family group sheets alot easier to organize and keep track of. if you are looking for a how to organize your genealogical data, this is a great book.

This book is concise and a great addition to my "library" and research. It also came in a timely way and good condition.