I have noticed the last few months I am getting several phone calls from Genealogy family and friends. Family submissions I made on my ancestors, several years ago, are being researched by others. I am really excited when they call me; they want to share information and ask questions regarding my submissions.

The problem I have started encountering is my memory. As I do more research and do my daily life routines, it is hard to retain every bit of knowledge I have picked up. I have failed to write down the contact information for those researchers (family and friends). So, when I want to contact them down the line, I am not able to. I reflected on my problem and thought maybe others have this same situation come up as well.

Here are some ways I hope to solve this problem:

Have a designated area to keep an address book and pen

Buy some index cards. When someone calls I will put their name, address and phone number on a card. Then write a brief description of the call and the surnames we discussed along with the date of the call. If I am to return the call via phone or email I will “flag” it. Then I will place this card in a file box. The ones I want to follow up with I’ll place in the front.

If the contact is via email, I am setting up a folder for contacts similar to the filebox system in my email account.

I have a storage box to keep letters I get in the mail. I have them in alphabetical order by surname and date the envelope from when I received it.

I hope the above tip helps others to keep in touch with other researchers who have contacted them and be more organized. It is very important to return calls and letters to those who have taken the time to write or call, even if there is no connection. You may be the only contact that particular call or writer may have.