At first, every detail you find is a treasure and it’s easy to remember everything because you don’t have that much family tree material yet. It doesn’t take long to acquire so much information in the form of documents, photocopies, maps, photographs, notes, newspaper clippings that you just cannot keep everything straight without a good plan.
You need to consider your family tree studies to have 2 parts. The first is the mass of paperwork that you have uncovered, and the second is the actual information that is contained on all those bits of paper. Each will need its own system to keep it all straight.
First, you have to consolidate all the paper. This will usually end up being organized into file folders or 3-ring binders. Folders are a little easier since you can toss all kinds of things into one without much hassle. Binders will require that everything be hole-punched, which can be a problem with delicate items. But it really is up to you which style you prefer. The actual form of storage isn’t as important as the organizing system.
The best approach is to keep each family unit separate (father, mother, their children, etc.). A folder or binder section for each family, then have them grouped together by their surnames or where they fit in your family tree. Once you have a system of such folders in place, you can file all the bits of paper that are associated with that family together. Documents for the children stay with their parents file, until their own marriages and all documents after that point would be filed in another folder with them as the parents.
A family group sheet that lists all the members of the family along with their vital details (full names, birth dates, ages, death dates) make a handy index for each family tree file. Indicate which documents you already have as well. Color coding for each file can also aid with quick visual identification.
So that covers the masses of family tree documents you have. Compiling the actual data is another story. You can stick with the paper approach, and complete pedigree charts that show everyone’s connections and details within your family tree but most people prefer to use a computer program to manage all the data. There are many good programs out there, all which have the same basic functions. They will store each individual in your family tree, and maintain a database with their vital statistics. The main benefit is that your program will keep track of all the connections between people so you can see how the branches in your tree play out. The visual displays can be very helpful.
Some software will connect you to online genealogy collections, or even give you tools to publish your own website with your genealogy material.
All you need to do is enter all the facts from your newly discovered documents into the software, then file the paper itself in its folder. Once you get a whole system in place, you’ll find that keeping your family tree organized is actually pretty easy. More importantly, no loose bits of paper will get lost.