Genealogy is more than just a solo journey; it’s a collaborative adventure.
Working with other genealogists can unlock doors you didn’t even know existed.
Shared resources, diverse perspectives, and a team to double-check your work – that’s the power of collaboration in genealogy.
1. Find the Right Partner
Join Local or Online Genealogy Groups
Local Clubs: Start by attending local genealogy club meetings. These gatherings are gold mines for finding like-minded researchers.
Online Communities: Don’t overlook online forums and social media groups dedicated to genealogy. Facebook groups, Reddit forums, and dedicated platforms offer a vast network of potential partners.
Genealogy Platforms: Platforms like Ancestry.com are not just for research. Use their community features to connect with other researchers who share your interests.
Evaluate Compatibility
Research Goals: Make sure your potential partner’s research goals align with yours. If you’re diving into 18th-century Europe, you don’t want a partner focused solely on 20th-century America.
Commitment Levels: Assess how much time and effort both of you are willing to invest. You need a partner who is as committed as you are.
Working Styles: Consider a trial period. Work on a small project together first to see if your working styles mesh well. This way, you can gauge compatibility before diving into a long-term project.
2. Establish Clear Goals and Roles
Define Objectives
Set Goals: Clear, measurable goals are crucial. Decide what you want to achieve. Is it finding a particular ancestor, uncovering family stories, or creating a comprehensive family tree?
Scope of Research: Define the scope of your project. Knowing what you’re aiming for helps keep the research focused and efficient.
Assign Roles Based on Strengths
Identify Strengths: Everyone has different strengths. One might be great at digging through archives, while the other excels at data analysis. Identify these strengths early on.
Flexible Roles: Assign roles but keep them flexible. As the project progresses, you might discover new strengths or interests. Be ready to adjust roles as needed.
3. Utilize Technology for Collaboration
Communication Tools
Regular Check-ins: Use tools like Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime for regular check-ins and discussions. Video calls can make collaboration feel more personal and effective.
File Sharing and Management
Cloud Services: Store and share documents using cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Notion. These platforms make it easy to access and update shared files from anywhere.
Collaborative Software: Use the collaborative features in word processing software to track changes and add comments. Google Docs and Microsoft Word are great for this.
Genealogy Software and Websites
Shared Access: Collaborate using genealogy software that supports shared access. Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, and FamilySearch all offer tools for collaborative research. Share your trees, compare notes, and build your family history together.
4. Share and Verify Information
Strive for Accuracy
Documented Information: Only add information to shared trees if it’s well-documented and verified. Don’t rely on hearsay; always check your sources.
Attach Sources: Every piece of data should have a source attached. This maintains trust and ensures accuracy. When in doubt, it’s better to leave something out until it’s verified.
Regular Updates and Reviews
Scheduled Updates: Regular updates keep everyone on the same page. Schedule check-ins to share progress and verify new information and ideas.
Shared Logs: Use shared logs or notes to document research findings. This creates a clear record of what’s been discovered and what still needs verification.
5. Communicate Effectively
Be Open and Respectful
Open Communication: Keep lines of communication open. Share your thoughts, findings, and questions freely. Respect different opinions and methods; everyone has their way of doing things.
Respect Differing Opinions: Differing opinions can lead to breakthroughs. Respect and consider different viewpoints. It might lead to discovering something you missed.
Provide Constructive Feedback
Constructive Feedback: Offer feedback that’s helpful, not critical. Focus on how things can be improved rather than what’s wrong.
Collaborative Tools: Use tools like Google Docs to leave notes and comments on shared documents. This makes it easy to provide feedback and suggestions.
6. Divide Costs and Resources
Share Expenses
Split Costs: Genealogy can get expensive. Share the costs of subscriptions, travel, and other research-related expenses. Pooling resources can make it more affordable.
Pooling Resources: Consider pooling resources for big purchases. Whether it’s accessing a paid database or purchasing rare documents, sharing costs can make it more manageable.
Trade Skills and Resources
Skill Exchange: Everyone has different skills. Trade them. If one partner is good at translating documents and the other has access to local archives, use those strengths to your advantage.
Resource Exchange: Share access to resources. If you have a subscription to a particular database, let your partner use it, and vice versa.
7. Keep a Backup of Your Work
Maintain Personal Copies
Personal Backups: Always keep personal backups of all shared documents and research notes. Technology can fail, and you don’t want to lose your hard work.
Desktop Applications: Use desktop applications or secondary online trees to store backup information. This ensures you have a copy if something goes wrong with the shared platform.
Final Thoughts
Collaborating with other genealogists can significantly enhance your research process. By finding the right partner, setting clear goals, utilizing technology, and sharing resources, you can uncover more about your family history than ever before.
So go out, connect with others, and dive into the collaborative world of genealogy. Happy researching!
