Genealogy: Relational database(s)

[DaCo]

I'm sorry I'm pulling the level down to the basics, but I lack the basic knowledge of how a relational database works.

My wish is to create a database of genealogical data that can be expanded as needed, but first I have to be able to decide which tables and fields are needed and then what relationships to create.

The overall goal is to enter different archives and tie them together at the person level. Right now I'm entering marriages in 32 parishes and then census for the same parishes. Later, several archives will come to.

The task is to identify the individuals and associate them across the databases. For example, if I want to find what information I have about "John Brown", so the search results must show his marriage, and what census he appears in (There are census for 21 different years, which necessarily must have to have their own database).

In the wedding database, there are the following fields in an entry:

• Groom, first name (s)
• Groom, surname (s)
• Groom, born (date)
• Groom, residence
• Bride, first name (s)
• Bride, surname (s)
• Bride, born (date)
• Bride, residence
• Marriage date
• Marriage, parish
• Best man 1, first name (s)
• Best man 2, surname (s)
• source
• + other fields

All relevant from the above fields are found in the census.

My initial question is: Which tables with which fields should I create and which data should be provided with a unique ID? Please explain it simple and basic. Extensions and improvements must come later.

I unfortunately predict that I have not described the task clearly enough, but that's what my skills are about right now. If there is something I have not explained clearly, you are welcome to ask.

I am currently running Mac High Sierra and FM 11 Pro Advanced. I have the installation files for v. 12, but I have never used it.

Edited March 13, 2018 by DaCo

[Steve Martino]

This isn't basic at all.  This has come up a few times on the forums, and is pretty complicated.  You could try searching the forums to see if anyone created a starter or sample file.

I'd recommend updating to at least 12 Advanced, 16 Advanced would be better.

[doughemi]

Second Steve's recommendation. FM11 will generate problems on High Sierra. FMI only certifies FM16 on that OS.

[DaCo]

Thanks to both of you. I have searched the forum archive and I have learned af few things. I will return later.

[Lee Smith]

Maybe this thread will help you https://fmforums.com/topic/57383-wedding-database-structure/

 

[DaCo]

Thank you very much, Lee.

That's what I wanted to see: something that's so simple that I can figure it out myself (I hope).

[Tom R.]

There is an excellent series of articles, including a relationship graph, about a genealogy model that is more robust and flexible than the GEDCOM model used buy most commercial genealogy programs. You can find it here https://solumslekt.org/forays/tmg.php. The author is using sql but the concepts and relations can be implemented in FileMaker just as easily. If you need something with specific capabilities, or are working  on this as an academic exercise, that makes sense. But there are many excellent genealogy programs available for Mac and Windows. I personally use Reunion for Mac. At any rate, good luck with the project!