The First Blog Series & Research Prep

Ever feel like a family detective who keeps losing their magnifying glass?

When I first started diving into family history ten years ago, I thought research logs were a tedious waste of time. Then, life happened—I moved, went back to school, and took a three-year break. When I finally returned to my workspace, I had no clue where I’d left off. The result? Hours wasted repeating the same searches and paying for documents I’d already ordered. Learn from my rookie mistakes: organization is your best friend!

Before we officially launch into the thrilling, uncharted mystery of my ancestor, Maude Dunbar, we have to lay down some foundational paperwork. In today's post, I’m breaking down the ultimate digital workspace I build for every new project—featuring the Document List, the Research Log, and the Correspondence Log. Getting your organization system set up takes a bit of upfront effort, but trust me, it will absolutely save your butt in the long run.

Are you ready to level up from a frustrated hobbyist to a confident family detective? Let's get organized!