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Genealogy Essentials

A collection of basic tools every family historian needs, including a relationship chart, guidance for documenting your research, research-trip preparation and directories of research locations.

Here’s a list of the cheat sheets currently available in this category. Check back often as we’ll continue to add new ones.

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Relationship Chart
Second cousins once removed or first cousins twice removed? Figure out how you're related to others using this handy chart.

Source Citation Cheat Sheet
See examples of what to enter in your genealogy software for various source types, from censuses to cemetery transcriptions.

Research Trip Packing List
Hitting the road for a trip to the archives or courthouse? Be sure to consult this checklist of supplies you'll want to tote along.

Directory of Family History Centers
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' network of local Family History Centers (also FamilySearch Centers) give you access to the Salt Lake City Family History Library's millions of microfilmed records, plus free on-site access to subscription genealogy Web sites. Find the center nearest you in this directory of US and Candian locations, listed by state and province.