Genealogical Research Process Simplified

In this episode, I walk you through the exact research process checklist I use every single time I begin working on a new ancestor. This is a simplified, repeatable method I’ve developed over decades of professional and personal research, designed to keep your work focused, thorough, and evidence-based. From identifying a clear target ancestor to reviewing what you already have, tracking missing records, resolving conflicts, and determining proof for the next generation back, this checklist keeps you grounded in good genealogy practices. I also share real-world examples from my own research, including how I use research notes, file organization, platform hints, off-platform searches, probate and land records, and even DNA as a last-step support tool. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure whether an ancestor is truly proven, this process will help you slow down, stay organized, and move forward with confidence. A one-page checklist handout is available. Links are in the show notes for those who want a printable guide to follow along. ❤️ JOIN the GENEALOGY TV ACADEMY https://genealogytv.org/academy/ 👉 NOT a Member? Purchase the HANDOUT Here https://genealogytv.org/product/handout-for-genealogy-research-method-checklist/ 📝📝📝📝 HANDOUT OPTIONS 📝 1) Genealogy TV Academy members have access to all lessons and handouts back to 2022. https://genealogytv.org/academy/ 📝 2) Become a CHANNEL MEMBER at the INFO ACCESS level $9.99 per month. This gets you all the handouts. https://www.youtube.com/@GenealogyTV/join. As a Channel Member, find the handouts by scrolling through the blog posts on the Community tab at https://www.youtube.com/@GenealogyTV/community 📝 3) All handouts can be PURCHASED INDIVIDUALLY ($5 and up) at https://genealogytv.org/handouts/. Here you will get a redirect and an email to download the handouts. 📝 4) Become a monthly PATRON at the HAPPY DANCE level ($15/Month) or more. You will get early release of the videos and the handouts are emailed to you, when they become available. https://www.patreon.com/GenealogyTV ❤️ BECOME A GENEALOGY TV CHANNEL MEMBER and help support Genealogy TV - see perks! https://www.youtube.com/@GenealogyTV/join ❤️ Patreon Membership – Handouts Emailed as they are produced. https://www.patreon.com/GenealogyTV. ✅ Genealogy TV WEBSITE https://genealogytv.org/ ✅ GTV on FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/Genealogytv/ ✅ SIGN UP For GTV’s NEWSLETTER https://mailchi.mp/a0862c6473aa/genealogytvnewsletter 👉 Subscribe to Genealogy TV (Free) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcvpi8XvOScBogIxmarmADw/Subscribe *** GTV Affiliate Partners *** 🛍️ Genealogy TV’s AMAZON STORE full of Connie’s favorites. https://www.amazon.com/shop/genealogytv SIMILAR VIDEOS 🔴 Targeted Genealogical Research: Probate Example https://youtu.be/10DuXkEoTRA&list=UULFcvpi8XvOScBogIxmarmADw 🔴 Research Notes Updated for 2026 - Game Changer for Family History Brick Walls https://youtu.be/F_YAtpfrvTQ&list=UULFcvpi8XvOScBogIxmarmADw 00:00 Intro 00:29 Fade 00:35 Fade to Program 03:57 Files for Hardy Winslow 05:01 Review Hints 05:26 About Family Trees 06:11 Add Records to Research Notes 06:51 Chrome Groups 07:47 Review What is Missing 08:57 Search Missing Records 09:59 Search Other Platforms 10:41 Review Hints/Records of Children 11:07 Records Found and Analysis 12:42 Resolving Conflicts 17:38 Finalizing the Process 20:02 Handout Circus Waltz - Silent Film Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/