2. "My work is done"
Many people have been fortunate to have family genealogists for a number of years;
however, some people are very surprised to learn from a trip to the FHC that some of the temple
work for their ancestors does not appear or that their names are not updated in the Ancestral File!
The reason is that families are dynamic--they are constantly changing with new births, deaths,
and marriages, baptisms, etc. It is a good idea to periodically check on your "completed" family's
work. Try these:
1. Obtain a computer disk of your records from your family genealogist. Have this available
to 'share with other family members and look it over yourself to check for errors in spellings of
names, dates, and places. This needs to be updated whenever new events occur in your family.
2. At the FHC, check the Ancestral File every two years to see if your family'~
contributions are current. If new information needs to be added, submit it on a computer disk to
the Salt Lake City FH Library. If changes are needed, edit the information on a disk and send it
to SLC. NOTE: In the database, a person appears without a name-- e.g., LIVING--if the LDS
baptism date is missing in the information sent to SLC.
3. At the FHC, check Ordinance Index to verify temple ordinance dates for deceased
ancestors. If they do not appear, check with your family genealogist to find out if the work has
been done yet or needs to be submitted to the temple. Offer to help in completing the temple
ordinances.
4. Show interest (either with enthusiasm or donated dollars), to the famly genealogist's work
for you. Be generous in thanks for their countless hours, effort, and resources spent in doing the
work.
5. Be diligent in keeping updated family histories of your own family, photo albums, and journals...
make your own family easy for your descendants to find and learn about someday. ! ! !
6. Keep family records and important papers for each family member in an organized, safe,
easy-to-find location, such as next to your 72-hour kit.
7. Use Family Home Evenings, family reunions, and other family gatherings to spotlight
ancestors so that your children will begin to know who these people are and will gain an
appreciation for them
How To's Step Three
Sample Documents
Genealogy Menu Items
SherwoodOhana Website