How to Create a GEDCOM

Two weeks ago we talked a little bit about GEDCOMs.  Jim asked how we do it so I found a lesson that I can share with you about it.  This lesson was prepared by the Riverton (Utah) Family Search Library. The downloadable version is found on familysearch.org>Get Help>Search Icon>Other Resources>scroll down until you see GEDCOM.  Click on link to download and/or review.  You can also download it from this link in my dropbox.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ab5vpg9kv9535z2/Creating%20a%20GEDCOM%20File%20-%202014-08-27%20%281%29.pdf?dl=0

Here is the tinyurl for the same lesson. http://tinyurl.com/jj8f2a4

I am planning to add it to my source box because I can bet someone will ask how to do this someday and I want to be able to help them with it.

So what is a GEDCOM and why do we need it?  This is a system created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help transfer genealogical data from one program to another.  You can transfer all or a partial amount into a program that stores and organizes your genealogy.  It saves you from having to re-enter everything one person at a time.  It also helps you from making mistakes as you transcribe your data while inputing. 

You can also GEDCOM into some of the big databases.  Be very careful to add just a little at a time until you know what you are doing. When another person sends you a GEDCOM always enter it into a separate and new file until you know exactly what they have sent and what you want to use.  Be cautious but not fearful.  You do not want to commingle your data with theirs until you are sure.  It is very hard to untangle when that happens.  

As I mentioned two weeks ago, I heard that exact same admonition from a teacher years ago and it scared me half to death to even try it.  Remember me and my fear of making lumpy gravy because I wasn't stirring it the right way or fast enough?  I was married quite a while before I was brave enough to attempt it without my Mom at my side.   Don't do that...just be careful and follow the instructions.  If you come to a step you are not sure about, reinvestigate or ask someone. being mindful of what you re doing can eliminate the fear.