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Research Trackers and Organizers

We've developed these tools to help you keep tabs on your genealogy plans and progress, so you can research more efficiently. They're great for tracking which records you've searched, which ones you need to, and what's still in the works.

To download a form: Click TEXT or PDF next to the name of the form. Depending on your browser, the form will either open immediately or instruct you to save the file to your hard drive. If you open the text forms directly, you can save them to your hard drive by pulling down your File menu and selecting Save As. You can also print forms by pulling down your File menu and selecting Print.


Research calendar PDF | TEXT
A classic research organizer that'll help you keep track of materials you've searched.

Note-taking form 1 PDF | TEXT
Designed for filing your notes by surname and record type: "ROBINSON: Census Records."

Note-taking form 2 PDF | TEXT
Designed for filing your notes by couple or family group: "John and Mary Jones."

Online Database Search Tracker  PDF
Use this form to track searches  in Ancestry.com and other online genealogy databases. You'll avoid repeating fruitless searches, and, by methodically changing one search term at a time, increase your chances of finding the record you need.

Repository checklist PDF | TEXT
Plan a research trip by recording details about the archive or library you intend to visit.  

Research journal PDF | TEXT
Here, list sources you've checked or plan to check.

Research worksheet PDF | TEXT
This sheet is ideal for tracking research on long-lost relatives or 20th-century ancestors.

Table of contents PDF | TEXT
On this form, list the documents in a file folder so you can find them quickly.

Correspondence log PDF | TEXT
Keep track of general research requests you send to libraries and archives.

Family correspondence log PDF | TEXT
Organize research requests sent to and from family members.

Article reading list PDF | TEXT
Catalog genealogy articles you want to read or refer to later.

Research checklist of books PDF | TEXT
List books you want to check for your ancestors' names.

Book wish list PDF | TEXT
Make a checklist of genealogy books you'd like to buy or borrow.