Module 1: Visiting with Experts
Kyle visits with Cheryl McLean, a research librarian at the Government & Heritage Library of the State Library of North Carolina, who shares her advice for getting started.
Advice from the Experts
Kyle and Cheryl talk about the best ways to get started and some good ways to stay organized. (8:32) [Captions available, or view a transcript Links to an external site..]
Main Takeaways:
- Start with yourself--what do you already know about your family's history? Record all of this, then work backwards.
- Talk with any living relatives you might have while you're still able. It's said that "when a person dies, a library burns to the ground."
- Stay organized with the proper forms, verify everything with at least one source, and cite all of your sources for future reference.
- Set aside your expectations! You may believe that you're of Irish descent, but the truth may be surprising.
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