One of the things that people love about genealogy research is that it takes a long time to do. It is the type of project that is never going to be finished. What if you are busy with other things and only have five free minutes? That can work out just fine! Check out some “five minute genealogy” ideas.
FamilySearch is one of the most popular genealogy websites. They have a series of videos in their learning center called 5 Minute Genealogy. You can view them free of charge.
There are a total of eight episodes in this series. It was recently revised, refreshed, and updated in order to provide new information and provide a fresh feel. There is a spokeswoman named Jessie that narrates the series and walks viewers through aspects of genealogy work. It seems to me that the 5 Minute Genealogy series is intended to show people how easy genealogy can (sometimes) be.
Here’s a brief overview of the series:
Episode 1: Quick Start
Learn how to find a record for a known ancestor on FamilySearch in just 5 minutes.
Episode 2: The Research Process
Learn the method that FamilySearch suggests you use when starting your family history.
Episode 3: Learn from Family
Learn the principles of starting your genealogy just by talking with members of your family.
Episode 4: Locate Where Your Ancestors Lived
Learn how to use maps, atlases, and gazetteers to help you find your ancestor’s location.
Episode 5: Records, an Introduction
Learn about the different types of records and the information that is found in each.
Episode 6: Find a Record
Learn the principles of finding a record for an ancestor using online resources and FamilySearch centers.
Episode 7: Using Indexes to Find a Record
Learn what an index is and how to use it to improve your chances of finding the records you are hoping to find.
Episode 8: Using Name Variations to Find a Record
Learn how names change over the years and how to use internet resources to identify ancestors who have a different surname than you expected them to have.
You can watch all the videos in order, or skip around, or just pick the ones that interest you the most. Return later to see if FamilySearch has added any new episodes since the last time you watched the series.
Image by squidish on Flickr