Step 2. Gather written records

''Pacific Island Guide &gt; Step 2. Gather written records''

Gather written records. Gather the family history information others in your family have already prepared.


 * Ask your family members if they have any written information about the family, including ancestral maps (hohoko), whakapapa books, letters, stories, family group records, pedigree charts, school records, certificates, pictures, and artifacts such as wood carvings, tapa designs, etc.
 * Ask if you may have a copy of what they have.
 * If it is a carving or design, ask what it means and how it relates to your family.
 * Make copies, photograph them, or write a description of them and where they are kept if you can’t keep the original.
 * Return the original to the owner.
 * Write where you got them on the back of the copy.
 * Keep the papers you write and photos you take in a safe place.

Note: If you have a family member with a large collection of well-organized information, you do not need to copy all of it. Once you find out exactly what they have, and find out if the temple work has been done yet, you can make a note of the person’s name, where they live, and what they have so you can keep in contact with them.

You may have the opportunity to cooperate and collaborate with other family members. See Step 11 more information on sharing with others. After talking with this person, you may decide to turn your attention to a different family line so you will not be duplicating work that has already been done. We should be prayerful in our decision.

Related Content

 * Start Family History by Writing What Is Known
 * Family group record: roadmap for researchers
 * Identify What You Know
 * Document AS YOU GO!