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An important part of family history research is organization. As you progress with building your family history you can find yourself with so much paperwork that you are lost. For each person make a life archive entry, in the family history comments for each life archive make a note of where you obtained your information and Research. Add outstanding questions you might have on this person along with a checklist. Remember to document everything you find on your about family history as you go. arcalife is a great tool to help you keep your family history organized.
The Illinois State Archives include a state wide family history database including vital records database, Illinois State Marriage Index from 1763-1900, the Illinois State Death Index, before 1916, and Illinois State Death Index from 1916-1950.
Census records are critical to your search for extended family history material For your most recent ancestors choose the most recent census you can find and work backwards. In many countries Census’ have been recorded back as far as the 1750’s. Before that time you can use Tax records and other local lists, like parish records. The nature of the records available depends on the country, province, state or subdivision where you are carrying out your family history search. Knowing something about the historical context you are working within, will help you fill in the gaps and find family members. Some libraries and family history societies have census records on microfiche at their family history centers. Or if you prefer to do this in the comfort of your home you have many of the tools and records you will need to carry out a successful family history search.
The world wide web is a great place to start searching for family history. Just type in the names you are looking for into any of the standard search engine like MSN, AOL, Google, Yahoo or AskJeeves. Be aware though that this method of searching is hit and miss. Arcalife provides a family history web search that narrows the focus on the Internet to specific sites and categories where family history information is located. Start by entering the names and years you are looking for, and go from there
