Scott Crevier's Family History Scott Crevier's Family History
I started my genealogy adventure in 1998. Something just got me going and I was immediately fascinated to learn more about the history of my family. In the 27 years since, I've accumulated data on over 9,000 people. That's not easy to do unless you've got some good tools. Here are some tips for you if you're starting out.
The most overwhelming concern that I have is what happens to my data after I die. Yeah I know, it's kind of morbid, but you should think about it. It would be nice to know that one of my kids, or maybe a grandkid, can take over.
In order to do that, the tool you use should also be easy for everyone else in your family to use. For example, if you're using a Mac, but everyone in your family uses Windows, think hard about that before you choose a Mac-only solution.
I happen to use The Master Genealogist, which is one of the more advanced and complex solutions out there. I don't necessarily recommend it, mostly because the guy who wrote it stopped its development in 2014. So if I die tomorrow, someone will need to get that app (not free), install it on their Windows computer, and then get my data from my computer to theirs. Not ideal (especially if that other person is not physically near my computer).
On the other hand, if you use an app like Ancestry, which is entirely web-based, there is no software to install. Someone else can take over your research (from anywhere in the world) by just visiting the web site and logging in with your ID and password (Windows or Mac).
It's very handy to have your family tree with you everywhere you go. Imagine you're at a relative's house for the holidays and the genealogy conversation starts up. It's great when you can pull up your family tree on your phone and show it to your relatives. This also makes it easy to get more data. What setting could be more ideal than when you're with extended family members who have information about your great grandparents?
You may also be out on a research trip to the library or a cemetery. It's important to have your entire family tree with you in these situations.
So, how do you do this? Well, if you use a solution like Ancestry as I mentioned above, they also have an app that runs on your phone that has access to all of your data. Very handy. Many genealogy apps have a corresponding mobile app; be sure to look for that and see how it works.
Another way to do this is to export your data to a GEDCOM file, which is a standard data format that all genealogy apps support. You put that file on your phone and view the data with an app that can read it. This is a little more clumsy because of the export/import process, but it works well.
Also, some mobile apps will allow you to edit your data and have it sync back to your family tree. This is handy. Others only operate in view mode (no editing), in which case you'll need to keep track of updates in a notes app or on paper and then enter it all when you get back home.
It doesn't take long before you become know as the "family genealogist." That's a good thing. And in that role, you'll occasionally get a call from a cousin or a nephew who's doing their own research or working on a school project and they need info. When this happens, it's nice to be able to give them access to your data.
Now, most apps will allow you to print many types of reports. That may be all you need. Just print a report to a PDF file and email it. But, you may also want to just give them access to view (not edit) your data. Make sure your solution allows for this.
You can always export a GEDCOM file as mentioned above, send it to your relative, and then have them import it into an app on whatever device they're using.
It's not hard to find free apps or free versions of paid apps that you can try out without any cost. I suggest you do this before diving into any paid solutions.
For example, check the App Store or Google Play for genealogy apps. Many will come with a sample family tree, allowing you to browse through it and see how it works.
When I started on this journey, I used a Windows app called Family Tree Maker. I don't recall why, but after a few years, I changed to The Master Genealogist which I love. It's a very advanced program and can be somewhat technical but it works great. Unfortunately the guy who created it ended its development and support in 2014. The program still works well and has a great user community, but no more updates. So I don't recommend it for most people.
I have an account on Ancestry (mostly because of some of the reasons I stated above) and it seems to work great, but it just got to be too expensive for me. So I downgraded to their limited free version.
But, one great thing about Ancestry is that they occasionally email you with new data about your family. For example, you'll get an email saying that they found the military record of your grandfather. Or, as other people update their family trees, they'll email you to tell you that they found a new relative of yours. Genealogy research can be difficult and time-consuming, and it's nice to know that Ancestry is "working on" my family tree for me even when I'm sleeping.
For mobile access, I use several solutions. First, I use GedStar Pro for Android. Again, this is an app that is no longer developed (yeah, I know, I'm an old-timer and love these old apps), but it still works great. I really like the format of the family data on my phone. It displays photos and families very nicely and I love the relationship calculator.
I also use Family Gem and GEDexplorer. Both of them are free and they both read a GEDCOM file. Both also come with a sample GEDCOM file that you can browse and view so you get the feel of how it works. For my family tree, I just occasionally export my data to a GEDCOM file, sync it to my phone, and open it in the apps. This is also how I share my data with my kids.
I haven't used all of the apps out there. But based on the ones I've used and tested, I suppose my best recommendation is Ancestry if you can afford it. They also have a companion account with newspapers.com which is just incredible for doing research (birth notices, obituaries, criminal reports, etc). So, for the price, I really think it's worth it.
I've also recently discovered Geni.com. So far, I'm impressed with their web-based tools. I don't yet know about their mobile access, but I'm looking into it.
Good luck in your research. I hope you have as much fun and success as I've had.
