Keeping track of who you write to and what you ask for is a good idea. This way you won't repeat your efforts unnecessarily.

1. Set up a correspondence table. Use either a pen and paper or spreadsheet software to make a table. You can divide it up into columns such as Date Sent, Name & Address, Information Requested, Payment Sent, and Information Received, as shown in the example below. Leave plenty of room to write clearly. You can also print the blank correspondence table that we've created. To print our blank correspondence table, see the topic Correspondence table.

2. Keep a copy of all letters. Copies act as a record of what information you requested, from whom, payment sent (if any), and date sent.

Keys to successful genealogical research:

Guidelines for writing to places to request info

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