If you wish to transcribe a ship's list, all you need to do is find one that is not already on my page (and preferably not one off-site that I have linked to).

These lists are available at libraries and local archives on microfilm. I cannot advise you specifically where and how to obtain a list as it depends what year and what area you choose to do.

Unlike some bigger organizations, there is no charge to you for being a volunteer! I believe that your time spent in transcribing data is a generous offer in itself.

Olive Tree Genealogy does not require you to join anything, pay anything, or commit to a specific number of lists. YOU decide how many and how often you will volunteer. Perhaps you only want to volunteer to do one list -- and that is very much appreciated. By sharing freely we can all help each other

If you would like to help but can't transcribe a list, please see my Help Olive Tree Bring Free Databases Online! There are other ways you can be a part of this exciting project

If you are not sure where to find a list, please consult your nearest archives or library for assistance. Once you have a list, you can type it as TEXT in any word editor. Once done, save it as a TEXT FILE (*.txt where * is replaced with the name of your file)

Please do not put columns or use tabs when typing your list. Just type all the names in one straight row.

You can use commas to separate fields such as age, occupation, # of children, origin:

John Smith, farmer, 24, wife and 2 children
Kenneth O'Brien, carpenter, 37, single

OR you can simply type the individuals with their information as this example:

Pieter Hendricksz from Soest
Rutger Hendricksz from Soest
Barent Jansz
Roelof Jansz from Masterland with wife and 2 daughters

Then send the list to me either as an attachment or inserted in the body of an email. I will take care of coding it for online viewing.

As a volunteer you can list your research interests in hopes of making other contacts. You should include your name, individual you are researching and your email for inclusion on my FRIENDS OF THE OLIVE TREE PAGE

If you are interested in transcribing any other type of list to add to the databases I have online, please feel free to do so. All I ask is that each list be typed in single rows, and saved as *.txt

Thank you for your generousity in volunteering to assist others! If you have more questions, please feel free to ask.

Write to me at Lorine

Disclaimer: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information on The Olive Tree Genealogy pages, all transcriptions are subject to human error, and researchers should always check the original source of any list.