1. Organize Your Research Space:
Clear your desk or workspace. Sort paper files and digital folders into clearly labeled categories by surname, location, or record type. Archive or shred unnecessary duplicate documents.
2. Review Your Family Tree:
Open your family tree software or online tree. Look for errors, missing data, duplicates, or inconsistencies. Correct issues immediately and add clear, accurate sources.
3. Update Your Backup System:
Create fresh backups of your genealogy data—store copies digitally in multiple locations such as an external drive, cloud storage, or genealogy-specific backup services.
4. Prioritize Your Projects:
Make a short list of research goals for the year. Identify specific ancestors or lines you want to focus on. This helps you stay organized and motivated.
5. Evaluate DNA Matches:
If you've done DNA testing, revisit your matches and update notes. Reach out to new matches or follow up on unanswered inquiries.
6. Refresh Research Skills:
Take a beginner-level webinar, read an article, or attend a genealogy workshop. This sharpens your skills and introduces new strategies for problem-solving.
7. Reconnect and Collaborate:
Reach out to relatives, online contacts, or genealogical societies to collaborate, share findings, or request family stories and photos.
By dedicating just a few hours to these tasks each spring, you’ll keep your genealogy organized, accurate, and ready for new discoveries.
