|
Almost always include:
Some names, dates and descriptions of
events important in the lives of the subjects
May also include:
Varies widely-see typical chronological and life-topic content
|
Family records of all types are
generally found using the same tactics. These listed here
apply to journals, photos, Bibles, as well as other family records:
In your own home - attics, closets,
basements, bookshelves, etc.
In the homes of your known relatives
In the possession of distant cousins
located through research
In libraries, archives, genealogical
and historical societies, and other specialized collections
In antique shops, used book stores
and flea markets, especially near the residence of the subject
Through websites designed to reunite
diaries, photos, Bibles and other memorabilia with the
families from which they were separated
"See the list of recommended family records links for specialized
websites for particular record types."
|
To gain a more complete understanding
of your ancestor or family
To find dates of life events to
further research
To find names of family members,
neighbors and others who interacted with your family
To gain insight into the
personalities of your ancestors - both the subjects and the
writer
To put your ancestors' lives into
context time- and history-wise
To use as input for family or
personal history you are writing or to update/supplement an
existing history
To see what your ancestors looked
like (if illustrated)
To find names of distant cousins to
network with, especially if descendant information is included
To find clues of medical conditions
that may continue to affect your family today
|
