Write for the relative who will read this in five years
Most family-history notes are written as if the author will remember every context clue forever. That is rarely true. Good notes explain enough that another person can understand why the note matters.
Focus on retraceable details
If you spoke with a groundskeeper, note the date and what they confirmed. If a family member gave you a story, write down who said it and what parts are still unverified.
Keep structure simple
- What you observed directly
- What someone else reported
- What should be verified next
Avoid polished storytelling too early
Research notes are working material. If you tidy them into a neat family narrative too soon, you often erase the gaps that still need attention.