Barbara:
I rarely chime in on this user group but I had to on this subject. Mainly because, after almost 40 years I have failed at other systems of filing but have gotten tired of attempting to remember my various filing systems. Mary Hill gets credit for this system but others were using the same thing prior to her "invention".
I am in a two week conversion process. It has been difficult but I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I will have to say that I can now find my files in a minimal amount of time. I don't have to think about it and it integrates well with Legacy.
I do believe that you must use what works and this works for me. I am a visual person and colors really help me but one of my sons (he's an engineer) would rather use numerical based system and can't understand the method I use. Whatever works for you.
Jerry Cranford
----- Original Message ----- From: "Barbara Robertson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 3:15 AM
Subject: RE: [LegacyUG] ANother question
I like the Mary Hill filing system. This works very well with Legacy. You can print a colored pedigree chart by selecting 4 color lines under color text and boxes on the pedigree report.
Mary Hill's system is explained very well at www.familysearch.org. Click on SEARCH > Research Helps > Sorted by Title > Select the letter O > Organizing your Files using Paper Folders. This gives a detailed explanation of how to set up this filing system. Also http://www.familyrootsorganizer.com/ has some lessons and a printed shopping list and step-by-step checklist that helps you get started.
This system combines the best of a locality/surname system and a system that files according to family groups. If you really want to understand how to file this way order the Mary Hill video at Family Roots Organizer.
Basically, a folder is set up for each marriage on your pedigree chart. All information on a person as a child goes into the file folder with the parents. After a person marries, all documents from that point forward go in a folder with the spouse. A family group sheet, to do list, and research log go in each folder. All documents in the folder are given a number that corresponds to a number on the research log.
A family file is also made up for each of the children of the direct line ancestors and their spouses.
Materials that belong to groups of several surnames are filed by locality or by surname in a separate file. For example, I would set up a folder with the locality--Pennsylvania, Clearfield County--and file information related to that county and families in that county together.
I use third cut reinforced tab manila folders with colored filing labels. These are placed in colored hanging folders. The right hand cut is for direct line ancestors. These are filed alphabetically by surnames. The middle cut is for the children of direct line ancestors. These are filed behind their parent's folders. The left hand cut folders are used for my locality files. These are filed in standard green hanging folders.
BLUE is paternal grandfather's line. GREEN is paternal grandmother's line. RED is maternal grandfather's line. YELLOW is maternal grandmother's line.
I must note that patronymic names work better in a locality filing system. Mary Hill explains how to do this in her video.
I have tried other systems, but I always go back to this system. It works best for the way I research. I like to work on one family at a time and collect everything I can about every member of that family. Your filing system should reflect the way you research. Some people like to research everyone in a county and then put them into families. A locality/surname approach may work better with this style of research.
The most important rule of thumb is to be consistent, so you can find the information you need when you want it.
Good luck! Barbara Robertson
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