Genealogy supplies cover the two ends of the spectrum: some can get pretty high tech, some are as low tech as they come. Either way, if you are trying to build your family tree, there are lots of tools that can help you make sure all your information is appropriately categorized, labeled, and secured away in one place, to be passed on to future generations. Here is what you'll want to include in your shopping list.
You can start with genealogy charts and forms. They are a great way to methodically preserve and organize information regarding family relationships and connections. Some forms are free, some need to be purchased, so look around until you find something that'll fit your budget and needs.
And don't forget the humble notebooks and three ring binders, available at your local stationery store. You should make it a point to always jot down any and all information relating to dates and places, not just the names you come across. Remember that information doesn't come to you in chronological order: that's where three ring binders become useful in keeping everything organized.
Some genealogists like to use video and audio recording equipment in conducting their interviews. For example, it is a fine idea to have a family reunion or get-together, to which you can invite all your family members irrespective of their age. Film them telling stories; conduct interviews and record them in an audio format. Not only will you be getting invaluable research material, you will also be creating records for the future generations of your family to cherish.
Historical maps are often an indispensable part of your arsenal of genealogy supplies. It may be quite likely that you'll find a portion of your family tree in another land, sometimes a country which no longer even exists on modern maps. Boundaries shifted, countries changed names. Having a historically accurate map can help you uncover a part of family history or a family branch that your family never even knew about.
You'll need to know how to and have the supplies you need to preserve the physical sources of your data as well. For instance, most of the time you will be required to return items such as photographs or old documents to their original owners. So make sure you have paper clips, rubber bands, and pieces of scrap paper handy, so you can keep these items together and properly labeled with the owners' names.
You will need to keep copies of any photos you come across for yourself, so make use of scanners and photocopiers. Scanners, if you can afford to splurge, are often among the most useful genealogy supplies you can get.
In the course of your research, you will locate many hard to categorize items that are a part of your family heritage and that will also need to be preserved: an old pocket watch of your great grandfather's, the family Bible, war medals. Memorabilia are invaluable in evoking the past of the family and providing a tangible connection with it. Get boxes, archival paper, and lots of labels to help preserve those items.
Your budget for genealogy supplies should also include the fees for various on line databases or research tools that are made available either by governments or private genealogist. They have collected huge amounts of data about people living today and those of the past. These resources will prove invaluable in locating your ancestors and constructing your family tree. Some are free, some are fee based, so do your research and find where you can get the best value.
Don't forget to include CDs and DVDs on your list of genealogy supplies. You should make sure that all the research, resources and information about your family tree that you have collected are in an organized form, so you can retrieve them later as needed. For this, you should periodically back up your data and preserve the online archives on CDs or DVDs so that they can be passed on easily and so that the memories are preserved forever.
Julia Hanson is a genealogy enthusiast and an author. For more great information on genealogy supplies and how to research and build a family tree, visit http://www.Build-Family-Tree.com
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