Serious genealogists recognize that they are never truly “done” when it comes to chasing down leads for their ancestors. However, while researching your roots, do you often feel frustrated by a tedious task or research roadblocks?
To help you combat them—and to make the most of the new year—we’ve mapped out a day-by-day research plan. (2024 is a leap year, meaning you get an extra day of genealogy!)
2024 YEAR AT-A-GLANCE
January
1 In recognition of Copyright Law Day, explore the basics of US copyright law <www.copyright.gov/what-is-copyright>.
2 Identify your genealogy goals for the year, and make a concrete research plan.
3 Take an inventory of your supplies and research materials. List what you still need.
4 Spent too much on holiday gifts? Evaluate your 2024 genealogy budget. Consider how to get more out of free resources, including trials at subscription websites.
5 Take a trip to an office-supply store or browse online to stock up on file folders, notepads, pencils, USB drives—whatever’s on your supply list.
6 Get involved in your local community. Find a senior citizens center, Rotary Club, library, or historical society, and see if you can volunteer or organize a family history workshop.
7 Some Orthodox Christian churches continue to use the Julian calendar, and celebrate Christmas today. Learn how to convert between the Julian and Gregorian calendars <www.stevemorse.org/jcal/julian.html>.
8 Create a backup system for your research that uses the 3-2-1 principle: three different copies on two different media, with at least one of them backed up offsite (such as in the cloud).
9 Review family history notes from your conversations with relatives, and add new information to your software and/or charts.
10 Most 1890 US census records were destroyed 103 years ago today. See what parts survived at <www.archives.gov/research/census/microfilm-catalog/1790-1890/part-08>.
11 Transfer digital photos from your devices to your computer and/or your cloud storage account.
12 Start a research log or journal. The free online tool Trello <www.trello.com> can track your tasks in lists and cards.
13 File any loose documents in your family history binder or file folders.
14 Make an index of what’s in each file folder or binder and post it on their covers. Create a master index that includes all your files, too.
15 This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, find out how your family may have been involved in civil rights movements. Start at the National Civil Rights Museum <www.civilrightsmuseum.org>.
16 Download indexes for all 20-plus years of Family Tree at <www.familytreemagazine.com/freebie-article-index-downloads>.
17 Make a list of vital records you need. Check each state office’s website for record locations, fees and forms.
18 Use holiday cards and family newsletters to update your relatives’ contact information. Make sure everyone knows how to reach you, too.
19 Call your local public library or state archive and arrange a tour of the genealogy department. Look for special collections, especially those that aren’t digitized.
20 Create a genealogy correspondence log in an Excel spreadsheet. List letters you send and receive alongside contact information.
21 Fill out the vital-record request forms you collected on the 17th. Record the requests in your correspondence log.
22 Decide how you’ll include online keyword searches in your research log.
23 Celebrate National Handwriting Day by trying to decipher script in hard-to-read records. Get tips at <www.familytreemagazine.com/records/documentary-evidence>.
24 Consult Cyndi’s List <www.cyndislist.com/queries> to find message boards related to your ancestral surnames and places of residence.
25 Find your nearest FamilySearch Center or partnering library. Run a Google search, or visit <www.familysearch.org/centers/locations>.
26 Brainstorm ideas for a genealogy blog, and research possible platforms. Check GeneaBloggers <www.geneabloggers.com> for tips and inspiration.
27 Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day. Learn more at <www.ushmm.org/remember/international-holocaust-remembrance-day>.
28 Organize your genealogy periodicals, including electronic versions. Give extra print copies to a friend or library.
29 Make your own family history trivia game with the tips at <www.familytreemagazine.com/kids/not-so-trivial-pursuit>.
30 Start a family history album that includes photographs and copies of family documents. Get inspiration at <www.parade.com/1344479/marynliles/scrapbooking-ideas>.
31 The first month of the year has flown by! Review your genealogy progress, then put up your feet and relax.
February
Kick off Black History Month by picking up Alex Haley’s seminal novel , or watch the
