The Six-Folder Genealogy Organizing System

In this informative and practical webinar hosted by Legacy Family Tree, professional archivist and genealogist Nancy Loe presents “The Six Folder Genealogy Organizing System.” Drawing from her decades of archival experience, Nancy delivers an accessible, flexible, and efficient strategy for managing the overwhelming volume of genealogical data—both digital and physical. With thousands of global attendees tuning in, this webinar offers a structured, archivist-approved approach to organizing records, reducing duplication, and improving research effectiveness. Whether you're a beginner drowning in documents or a seasoned genealogist looking to refine your system, Nancy’s method provides a sustainable solution that puts your research back in your control.

Key Takeaways:

• The Six-Folder System Simplifies Everything
  Nancy’s core strategy is to divide all genealogical materials into six main folders: Administrative, Family Trees, Photos, Primary Sources, Secondary Sources, and Surnames. Each folder contains intuitive subfolders that prioritize consistency and retrievability—eliminating the need for complex systems or excessive categorization.

• Archivist Best Practices for File Naming and Data Entry
  By applying principles like controlled vocabulary, consistent file naming (e.g., “RossGeorgeBirth.jpg”), and using names as they appeared at the time of the event, Nancy demonstrates how to ensure records are findable and meaningful. She also cautions against relying solely on online trees and encourages genealogists to “own their data” by keeping local copies of records and software-synced trees.

• Linking, Backups, and Digital-Paper Integration
  Nancy emphasizes uniting your digital and physical records through citation integration in family tree software, writing filenames on physical documents, and adopting a 3-2-1 backup strategy. With examples of real-world data loss, she makes a compelling case for redundancy, cloud storage, and sharing your tree with trusted relatives as part of a preservation plan.

To see Nancy’s complete method in action—including examples, naming conventions, and folder structures—view the full webinar replay available on FamilyTreeWebinars.com. Members can also access Nancy’s comprehensive syllabus and e-book, “Organized Like an Archivist,” filled with deeper insights and step-by-step guidance. New users can enjoy a discount using the code provided during the session.

For those serious about improving their research process, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the additional tools included in Nancy’s syllabus. These resources will not only help streamline your current workflow but also safeguard the legacy of your genealogical discoveries for future generations.