1 of 5 Hi Dear Reader, Hopefully you've settled into 2005 and are off to a good start. And it is my hope that you will accomplish some genealogy goals this year and make progress with your research. There are two important links I would like for you to focus on in this issue. They both will lead you to valuable treasure, indeed. Let's get started... ;-) Robert Get More Done With a Personal Planning System (This Includes Genealogy Stuff, Too) I've been a long time advocate for keeping genealogy and family history research notebooks and logs. It's certainly a good thing to do... But do you keep one main book, or planner to manage your life? I've used one for years. I call it my "brain". My wife, Ellen, uses one and this past Christmas our nine year old son, Jonathan was delighted to get his own brain. We, the parents were delighted that he was pleased because of the organization and responsibility that it would help him with. But more than that, he was thrilled that is was a "FranklinCovey" planner. You see, we are FranklinCovey planner people. This means that we strive to go deeper than just writing schedules and to-dos in a planner.
2 of 5 There is actually a system that the FranklinCovey company teaches that goes hand in hand with principles taught in Stephen Covey's books and other time-tested materials and methods, etc. What's this got to do with you and your genealogy? Simple: I'm suggesting that you use--and I mean really use--a planner. One book to help you run your life (and part of your life is genealogy or you wouldn't be getting this newsletter). Of course, I recommend the FranklinCovey Planner System. I used the original "Franklin Planner" before they merged with Covey (since 1987). It got even better after that. I can't say enough good things about their products and the way that their time management system works. A planner is not just a planner--you've got to try this system. They've got them in all price ranges. Below is a special link to the Covey site where there are discount coupons, etc. If nothing else, just take a look. *Special FranklinCovey link for on-line specials: http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-1471255-10289131 Seriously, having a planner and using the FranklinCovey system could be one of the best things that ever happened to your genealogy research.
3 of 5 Another Look at Research Outlines on FamilySearch.org For years, I have been telling my genealogy students, my friends, Treasure Map s readers, and anyone else who would listen, about the must have Research Outlines that you can get from your local Family History Centers - or order directly (for very little cost) from the LDS distribution center. Those who took action were thrilled at the valuable information they got. But, because the procrastination and other reasons, many didn't make the effort to get them. Well, now there is no excuse. They are ALL on-line on the familysearch.org site!!! Not only are they just a click away, they are crossed referenced beautifully! If you haven't seen these before - you are going to be thrilled *GO TO: http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/education/frameset_educati on.asp?page=education_publications.asp Here you will see Research Helps including the wonderful Research Outlines I mentioned. *CLICK ON: Any of the research outlines that pertain to your genealogy research. You'll be very impressed! Note these points of interest:
4 of 5 -Research outlines for the IGI and Ancestral File. Note: these are for the compact disc you will find at the Family History Center. However, since the data from the IGI and Ancestral File is going online. There is still good information to see here. -Print your own Research Log, Pedigree charts, and Family Group Record forms. If you are a beginner, take a look. -Research outlines for the U.S. and for ALL of the states individually. -Also, outlines for many different regions of Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, British Columbia, British Isles, Denmark, District of Columbia, England, Europe, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, and the list goes on and on. There are also special outlines and forms for different regions. Take Scotland for example: Old Parochial Registers (OPR) Index for Scotland. Scotland Map. Scotland Map (Boundaries before 1974). Scotland Research Outline. Scottish Church Records. Scotland (Using the 1881 British Census Indexes). No matter what your situation, there is something for you here. If you want a solid and reliable education on how to research in the areas where your ancestors came from. These research outlines are hard to beat and can an extremely valuable tool to help you with your genealogy research.
5 of 5 They are a MUST HAVE! So go and get the ones that pertain to your research. ;-) Robert