Chronologizing As a Research Tool
When I started in genealogy, I thought I was being organized and mindful if I saved a record I discovered to the appropriate folder with an appropriately descriptive file name. But I didn’t abstract those records as I went along. Big mistake. In certain instances, I’m still trying to dig myself out from under a landslide of such unabstracted records just sitting there unrecorded and unanalyzed.
When I begin a particular project now, I automatically start by abstracting (and citing) pertinent records as I find them and chronologizing those abstracts in my master file. I use the slightly awkward word “chronologizing” because I want to highlight the fact that it should be a conscious, active effort; not an accidental by-product.
Chronologizing has at least three significant benefits.
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About Author
Aaron Goodwin
Aaron is a genealogist and house historian specializing in New York City research across all time periods, from the Dutch colonial era to the 20th century. His book, New York City Municipal Archives: An Authorized Guide for Family Historians, won the National Genealogical Society’s 2017 Award for Excellence: Genealogical Methods and Sources. He is also editor of NGS Monthly, former contributing editor of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, and former editor of the Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine. In 2011, he received the American Society of Genealogists’ Scholar Award.
Hello Aaron, You’re probably aware that some 3,000 Palatines landed on Governor’s Island in June of 1710. Many had died before being transported up the Hudson River. Do you know where on the island these folks were buried?
Jim Batdorff
[email protected]
Hi, Jim. I’m not aware of that mystery having been solved, and I’m afraid I haven’t any special knowledge to add.
Aaron
Is there a difference between “chronologizing” and making “timelines”?
It’s mainly semantics. The point is to chronologize or make a timeline consciously and proactively, using it as a research tool as you go. Chronologies or timelines that are merely by-products of some other data entry mechanism aren’t nearly as effective.