Genealogy Resolutions for 2023

As a genealogist, you've probably given some thought as your research goals for 2023. If you're still thinking about what you'll do genealogy-wise in the New Year, there are plenty of suggestions from plenty of websites. Among those appearing on most websites are:

Bertie Armstrong McLean,
1876-1970

1. Backup your database. Most genelogy programs claim to backup your information automatically, and they do, but just as a precaution, at least once a month, do this manually. Also, if your budget allows, consider having your whole system backed-up on a server, such as Backblaze, an inexpensive and reliable (I've had to retrieve "lost" data from the server) cloud back-up/storage system. Best Cloud Backup Services for 2023

    2. Interview older relatives. This might be expanded to include neighbors or friends of your relatives who have passed. This is a resolution not to be put off. Trust me, you will kick yourself if you fail to do this. 

3. Make a road trip to places associated with your ancestors. This can be combined with interviews, but is a stand-alone resolution. Don't confine your explorations to cemeteries. There's nothing like the walking literally in the steps of an ancestor. Go see not just family homes (or the sites), but walk the streets of the town or nearby town and think about your ancestor walking there. Get a feel for what your ancestor saw and heard. Take photos (and then be sure you label them when you get home!). 

    If you can't make a road trip, use Google Earth to find an address. If there's a "street view", you'll be able to virtually follow in an ancestor's footsteps. It's actually pretty exciting.

McLean home, Roseville, Ohio, 1915

 

McLean home, Roseville, Ohio, 2015

3. Share your information. The best thing to do is to donate a copy of your genealogy to a local library and/or genealogy society. The Muskingum County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will gladly take a copy of your work. So will the Ohio Genealogical Society. So will The Allen County Public Library's Genealogy Center at Fort Wayne, IN. Don't use the excuse that no one in your family is interested. Someone in the family will be some day, and if you've donated your work to a repository, that someone can find it.

    And by the way, if you've had your DNA tested, you can use the results to identify 2nd and 3rd cousins (or their children) to whom you might offer your research. I did this with a branch of my mother's family, and now my research is in the hands of cousins I've never met and probably never will. Just knowing the work has been shared with some family member makes me feel good.