The most universally used form to record family history information in a standard manner is the “Family Group Sheet.”

A Family Group Sheet starts with information about the parents of the person who is conducting the research (or for whom the research is being conducted.) Vital statistics are recorded so that the information will not be lost over time.

The next step is to gather information on the ancestors of the person who is listed at the top of the Family Group Sheet. Information on both the ancestors of the person’s father and mother is compiled. Although some of this information may be already know, it is always wise to look at legal documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, census records, etc. to ensure the accuracy of the information. Because many of the Czech families who settled in Nueces and the surrounding counties, came here years after the original immigration to Texas from the Czech lands, it may be necessary to determine in which county or counties earlier generations lived. Here, genealogy and family history books compiled by the Czech Heritage Society of Texas can be of help. There are many books of extracted information for Czech-Moravians from U. S. census records, Church Records, and county records such as naturalization records for Czech-Moravians who became U. S. citizens.

A Family Group Record also records information on the spouse of the person listed first on the form. If you chose to use your parents as the starting point on a Family History Group Sheet, then you will be able to document four of your family lines on a single Group Sheet. Sheet B of the Family Group sheet provides space for information on the children of the individual listed first on Page One. A section for notes allows one to annotate sources and/or unusual information.

Why are Family Group Sheets important? They are important because many individuals do not become interested in the history of his/her family until they reach the age of forty or later. By that time, the earlier generation(s) of the family who knew the information may no longer be available to help fill in the missing pieces of information. Even a partially completed Family Group Sheet may be of great importance to someone who is just starting his or her family history research. In addition, a Family History Group Sheet can serve a summary sheet for the family history researcher so that he/she can quickly check facts by referring the Family Group Sheet.

For the South Texas Czech-Moravian Family History Project, we are recommending the use of a Family History Group Sheet modeled after one designed by Albert J. Blaha, one of the founders of the Czech Heritage Society of Texas. This form has been modified so that the print is larger and there is more room to write in information.

There are also several very good genealogy programs available for personal computers. These programs allow you to create databases on your family history information that you can sort to create different reports and charts. Having a computer genealogy program can be very helpful but one should always maintain current back-up diskettes or compact disks in case of a hard drive crash. Printing out and retaining copies of reports is also wise.

A Sample:

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