Researching in diaries and journals

Genealogy research in diaries and journals can be a rewarding way to uncover personal stories, family relationships, and historical context that might not be available in official records. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

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Step 1: Gather your materials

Locate Diaries and Journals: Check with family members to see if they have any old diaries or journals. Visit local libraries, historical societies, or online databases that might have personal writings relevant to your family.
Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure you have a quiet, comfortable space to read and take notes. Have a notebook or digital device handy for jotting down important information.

Step 2: Understand the context

Identify the Author: Determine who wrote the diary or journal. This will help you understand the perspective and potential biases in the writings.
Understand the Time Period: Research the historical context during which the diary was written. This can provide insights into the events and societal norms influencing the author's life.

Step 3: Read and take notes

Read Thoroughly: Go through the diary or journal page by page. Pay attention to names, dates, places, and events mentioned.
Take Detailed Notes: Write down significant entries, including quotes that seem important. Note the date of each entry, as this will help you construct a timeline.

Step 4: Analyze relationships and events

Identify Family Members: Look for mentions of family members and their relationships to the author. Create a family tree based on these mentions.
Track Events: Note significant life events such as births, marriages, deaths, and migrations. These can provide clues to further research in official records.

Step 5: Cross-reference with other sources

Verify Information: Cross-check the information from the diaries with other sources like census records, birth and death certificates, and marriage licenses.
Look for Additional Sources: If a diary mentions specific locations or events, search for local newspapers, church records, or community archives that might provide additional context or corroborating information.

Step 6: Preserve and Share Your Findings

Organize Your Notes: Compile your notes in a structured manner, possibly creating a timeline or narrative of the family history.
Digitize and Preserve: If possible, digitize the diaries and journals to preserve them for future generations. Store both the originals and digital copies in a safe place.
Share with Family: Share your findings with family members, either through a written report, a digital presentation, or a family gathering. Consider contributing your research to a local historical society or genealogy database.

Tips for success

Be Patient and Persistent: Genealogy research can be time-consuming, especially when deciphering old handwriting or contextualizing historical events.
Stay Organized: Keep track of your sources and organize your notes systematically. This will make it easier to refer back to your research later.
Seek Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out to local historians, librarians, or genealogy groups for assistance.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to uncovering the rich, personal histories contained within diaries and journals, adding depth and personality to your genealogical research.

Genealogy research often involves scouring through a variety of sources to piece together family history. While official records like birth certificates, census data, and marriage licenses are commonly used, personal diaries and journals can provide a unique and invaluable perspective. These personal documents can offer rich, detailed accounts of daily life, personal thoughts, and historical events that official records cannot. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively use diaries and journals in your genealogy research.

Understanding the value of diaries and journals

Diaries and journals are firsthand accounts written by individuals, often documenting daily life, personal experiences, and significant events. They provide context and color to the facts found in official records, offering insights into an ancestor’s personality, relationships, and social environment. These documents can also reveal information about family traditions, migrations, occupations, and other aspects of life that are crucial for constructing a complete family history.

Finding diaries and journals

Locating diaries and journals can be challenging, as they are often private and not always preserved. However, several sources can be valuable in your search:

Family Heirlooms: Start by asking relatives if they have any old diaries or journals. Many families have these documents passed down through generations.
Local Libraries and Archives: Many libraries and archives have collections of personal papers, including diaries and journals. Local historical societies can also be a good resource.
Online Databases: Many websites have digitized collections of diaries and journals. Additionally, specialized databases such as the American Diary Archive Project can be useful.
Historical Societies and Museums: These institutions often collect personal papers and might have diaries and journals from local residents.
Auctions and Estate Sales: Sometimes, diaries and journals end up in estate sales or auctions. While this can be a less reliable source, it can occasionally yield valuable documents.

Evaluating the authenticity and relevance

Once you’ve found a diary or journal, it’s important to evaluate its authenticity and relevance to your genealogy research:

Provenance: Determine the origin of the diary. Who wrote it, and how did it come into your possession? Knowing the history of the document can help confirm its authenticity.
Time Period and Location: Ensure the diary or journal covers the time period and location relevant to your research. This can help verify if the document is likely to pertain to your ancestors.
Handwriting and Language: Familiarize yourself with the handwriting and language used. This can help you accurately interpret the entries and confirm the author’s identity.

Extracting information

Extracting information from diaries and journals requires careful reading and note-taking:

Chronological Reading: Read the diary or journal chronologically to understand the context and flow of events. This helps in building a timeline of your ancestor’s life.
Key Information: Look for key details such as names, dates, places, and events. Note any references to family members, friends, and significant events.
Themes and Patterns: Identify recurring themes and patterns in the entries. This can provide insights into your ancestor’s daily life, beliefs, and social environment.
Transcription: Consider transcribing the diary or journal, especially if the handwriting is difficult to read. Transcribing helps in preserving the document and makes it easier to search for specific information.

Contextualizing the information

Contextualizing the information found in diaries and journals is crucial for understanding their significance:

Historical Context: Research the historical context of the time period covered in the diary. Understanding the social, economic, and political climate can provide deeper insights into your ancestor’s experiences.
Family Connections: Cross-reference the information with other genealogical sources such as census records, birth and death certificates, and family trees. This helps verify the accuracy of the information and identifies connections to other family members.
Local History: Study the local history of the area where your ancestor lived. Local events, customs, and notable figures can influence and appear in personal writings.

Preserving and sharing your findings

Preserving and sharing the information you’ve gathered is essential for future generations:

Digitization: Scan the diary or journal to create digital copies. This ensures the information is preserved and can be easily shared with family members and researchers.
Family History Books: Include extracts and analyses of the diary or journal in your family history book or report. This adds depth and personal stories to the family narrative.
Online Platforms: Share your findings on genealogy websites and forums. This can connect you with other researchers and relatives who might have additional information or insights.
Donations: Consider donating copies of the diary or journal to local libraries, historical societies, or genealogy groups. This helps preserve the document and makes it accessible to other researchers.

Challenges and considerations

While diaries and journals are invaluable resources, there are challenges and considerations to keep in mind:

Privacy Concerns: Be mindful of privacy issues, especially if the diary or journal contains sensitive information about living relatives. Obtain permission before sharing or publishing such information.
Bias and Subjectivity: Diaries and journals reflect personal views and can be biased or subjective. Cross-referencing with other sources is essential for accurate interpretation.
Condition and Legibility: Older diaries and journals may be fragile or difficult to read. Handle them with care and consider consulting a conservator for preservation advice.

Diaries and journals are treasure troves of personal history that can significantly enhance your genealogy research. They offer intimate glimpses into the lives of your ancestors, providing context and color to the factual data found in official records. By carefully locating, evaluating, and extracting information from these personal documents, you can uncover rich details and stories that bring your family history to life. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just starting, incorporating diaries and journals into your research can lead to fascinating discoveries and a deeper connection to your ancestral roots.

Explore more about researching in diaries and journals

Journals: A source for family history discoveries on the MyHeritage blog
Diaries, Journals and Calendars: Preserving and Document Your Ancestor’s Day-to-Day Life webinar at Legacy Family Tree Webinars