One of the biggest struggles I have in researching my family tree is keeping everything organized. I am typically a very organized person, however, genealogy is a challenge with the randomness that the research grows. It always seems as if there is always an uncategorized piece of information to attach to a distant relative that you have never heard of or planned for. Most of my records are kept digitally, but there is always a need to have hard copies of records. When I come across an original copy of a record, I place this in a box set aside especially for original records. I want to move to a folder system for these one day. However, for the hard copies of records, I developed a binder system to keep my work organized.
I bought a set of 1 ½ inch view binders from Target in different colors. I use one color for my family and another color for Monica’s. On the outside of the binder, I place a printout of the first four generations, so that I may know where the line has been that I have completed. I have more than for generations represented in the binder, but the printout is only of those first four.
I have the binder divided by tabs per individual, so that I may keep each individual’s information in one place. The first page is the Family Group Sheet for the person, including data of other family members that may help in the search for more information on the person.
The following pages are copies of vital documents, specifically the census records for each person. I use these records when I need a quick verification of data or a want to review or share some information.
This simple system of binders has come in handy during library research and internet research alike as I always have a hard copy close by. I’m always looking for my ways to organize my family history, so I would love to hear about your system in the comments!
Jamie D says
I started genealogy as a 4-H project years ago and per their requirements, used the binder system to organize and display my information. Over 15 years later I am still using it for the most part. Although my entire content is saved via Ancestry.com and Family Tree Maker, I still love having a physical project. It is also more appealing to look at and therefore is more appreciated by most of the family, especially the older generations. I also treat it like a scrapbook, keeping all kinds of unique tidbits about each person: headstone, family pics, obituaries, newspaper articles, military records, and anything else that helps paint a picture of who they were.
Kendra Schmidt says
Your artcle is very timely as I am working on updating my binders and improving them. I have binders, paper filws and digital. The digital are backed up to external harddrives and the cloud.
Keith Andrews says
Joellen–
The tree on the outside helps me not only as a label fro what inside, but many times I don’t even open the book, I have a printed copy right on my desk! Thank you very much for reading!!
Keith Andrews says
Jane–
Thank you for your kind words! With the amount of information that we can get from computers, it can drastically clutter up any research project. I hope the binder helps put it all in perspective for you!
Joellenwho says
I also have family binders. I like to have the information on paper in front of me as I am searching. Of course, I also have the records on the computer. I hadn’t thought to print out the tree for a few generations to keep track of the ancestors in each binder. Thank you for posting.
Jane says
First, thank you for your service and all that you do for our armed forces. I’ve seen first hand the help chaplains do for our service members. Now, your folders are awesome! It seems like it would be so easy to quickly look at them when researching. I get bumfoozled going from a search site to my record sight and end up having a multitude of scraps of paper laying around. Yes, I’m challenged when it comes to computers.
Jack Copet says
All excellent points. I guess I need to focus on updating my binders. Thanks again for your blog!
Keith Andrews says
Katie–
The binders have been a life saver, especially when moving every two years or so and trying keep that together.
Keith Andrews says
Jack–
I agree that you could go too far with redundancy. Most of my data is saved on Ancestry.com. What I put in the binders are the essential information (census and relationships). One purpose is to have a visual to track progress and to have something to reference the big picture when I am doing research. The other purpose is to have a back up if something goes terribly wrong with electronics–I will have a place to start from scratch.
Jack Copet says
Do you feel that it’s redundant to have it electronically and print it off in binders? I’m a fan of binders myself, but have not gone to the extent you have because I’m afraid that I’ll end up creating tons of books when I have things electronically. I’ve been very torn about it. What you do are great and copies can be share with family members and libraries alike!
Katie says
What I great idea. I agree, it’s so hard to organize the random bits and pieces.
Keith Andrews says
Cody–
Thank you for reading! a folder system is a great place to start! For me, I have to block off an entire day once and awhile, just to get things settled. But, it is hard to find the balance.
Cody Nelson says
I wish I had the time to do this. Whenever I try I feel like I lose all my research time. Slowly started a folder system but many kinks remain in the system.