| How Suzanne Used the 5-Step Research Process |
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| Step 1: Write down what you know. |
From a tiny slip of paper, Suzanne knew the name of the town from which her family originated in Ireland. After some
searching, she discovered a book that included some genealogical information about her ancestors. Reading the book, she discovered that most of the genealogical information came from
the diaries of a James Harshaw in Ireland. |
| Step 2: Decide what you want to learn. |
Suzanne determined that she would find and read the Harshaw diaries to see if they contained information about her ancestors! |
| Step 3: Choose a source of information. |
Having no idea where the diaries might be, Suzanne posted an internet query and learned that a microfilm copy of a 1,300 page transcript of
the diaries of James Harshaw had been made by a distant relative, Marjorie Harshaw Robie. Suzanne knew she had to find a way to the microfilmed copy. |
| Step 4: Learn from the source. |
Suzanne contacted Marjorie, who agreed to lend Suzanne the microfilmed copy. Suzanne then examined the microfilmed copy of the diaries each
day for 3 months. From reading the diaries, she discovered the circumstances surrounding the death of her great-great-great grandmother, Jane Harshaw Martin, who died on July 16, 1847 in Donaghmore, Ireland. |
| Step 5: Use what you learned. |
Suzanne used the information to help others. She and her family visited Ireland for the rededication of the tombstone of the diaries' author, James Harshaw.
She met with both American and Irish cousins and compared notes. She also built a web site sharing information about the diaries. |
