User:Ldrew/Sandbox3

Getting Started

 * If you are just getting started, complete a pedigree chart and a family group record for yourself. On the[[Image:Pedigree Chart Blank.png|thumb|right]] pedigree chart, list your name first, then your parents’ names, and so on. If you are married, complete two family group records—one showing you as a husband or wife and the other showing you as a child.
 * After you have completed these forms for yourself and your immediate family, begin gathering information about the ancestors who are easiest to identify. Generally, this does not require skill in genealogical research. The most important thing you need is the desire to provide the saving ordinances of the gospel to those in the spirit world waiting to receive them.
 * Gather Information about Your Ancestors
 * If you are just beginning to identify your ancestors, you may want to start by finding information about your parents and grandparents. Get their full names, birth, marriage and death dates and the locations where these events happened.
 * Wherever you start, there are three things you can do that will help you identify your ancestors: look through your family records, check with other family members and start your own research to find their records.

Look through Your Family Records

 * Look in your home and contact relatives to find family records that have already been gathered and organized. You may find such records as pedigree charts and family group records; birth, marriage, and death certificates; family Bibles; obituaries; family histories; diaries; and journals.[[Image:Domesday Book.jpg|thumb|right]]
 * When gathering information about your ancestors, coordinate your efforts with relatives. This will make your work easier; help ensure that names, dates, and places are complete and accurate; and minimize duplication of effort
 * Gather Information
 * Identify What You Know

Record Your Information

 * Pedigree charts and family group records are standard forms you can use to record your information and organize your family records. Read the Use Appropriate Forms article
 * Pedigree charts are used to list your direct ancestors for several generations. Some pedigree charts include boxes you can mark to show which temple ordinances have been performed.
 * Family group records are used to list all members of an ancestor’s family along with information such as dates and places of births, marriages, and ordinances. You can use completed family group records to type information into computer programs such as TempleReady or Personal Ancestral File.
 * Complete a family group record for each couple listed on your pedigree chart.

What Do I Do Now?

 * Go to the next article in this series “Locating Someone”.

Share your research skills on the Wiki

 * If so, here’s how to:[[Image:Quill pen.PNG|thumb|right]]


 * Add new information or modify an existing article


 * Sign in to the wiki


 * Do you have an account on the wiki? If not then:


 * Create a user account on the wiki
 * Click on the Sign In link at the top right corner of the screen
 * Click on the “Create New Account” button and follow instructions


 * Remember your login credentials. Jot them down for future reference and then:
 * Log in to the wiki using the Sign In link
 * Navigate to the article to which you wish to contribute

Edit an Article

 * Locate the information you want to edit or where you want to add new information
 * Click on the Edit button to the right of the section heading or on the Edit button at the top of the page
 * Add new information or correct existing information


 * Read: the Rich Text Editor article

Create an Article

 * Read: How to create an article How to create an article


 * Read the Rich Text Editor article

Before You Edit or Add an Article

 * Read the wiki Policies and Guidelines articles if you haven’t contributed to the wiki before.


 * Wiki Policies
 * Guiding Principles
 * Wiki Etiquette
 * Manual of Style

WikiText Reference articles

 * Wiki Terminology
 * Wiki Markup
 * Wiki Cheatsheet
 * Image Use
 * Image Help

External Wiki Tools

 * MediaWiki add-in for Word
 * Seapine HTML to Wiki converter
 * CSV Converter - Excel to Wiki
 * How to Convert a Microsoft Office Document into Wiki Format

Instructional Videos and Articles
The instructional videos and articles below are very helpful for new wiki users.


 * Wiki use instructional videos
 * FamilySearch training videos including wiki topics