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Researching Your Family History
An excellent starting point for tracking down family members, past and present. It offers a vast family history library containing the world's largest collection of genealogical records (Mormons are only a small percentage of the database). There are two million rolls of microfilm and 30,000 bound volumes containing two billion names.
The staff helps with questions and can refer you to resources. The massive databases also can be checked through visiting one of the 1,800 Family Search Centers in the U.S and Canada. Call for the nearest location.
The online community is full of helpful, dedicated genealogists who offer a vast amount of information through their organizations and online magazines.
There are hundreds of interesting sites. The following short list offers an idea of how varied and rich they are:
1. National Genealogical Society
Here's a great jumping-off point with numerous links and trails to explore.
The Society offers a network of libraries, family organizations, genealogical
and historical societies. It also has a quarterly journal, bimonthly
newsletters and a home study course on genealogy.
2. Everton's Genealogical Helper
Another great place to find basic genealogical information on the hows and
wheres of genealogy--not just on the Internet but searching in a specific
community or hometown. Here's everything from a "Getting Started" section, to
the "Basics of Sound Research, to "General Scams" (such as mail order genealogy
offers) as well as "20 Ways to Avoid Genealogical Grief."
"African-American Genealogical Societies in the U.S." is one of several sub sections found in Everton. It offers a good listing of societies devoted to the study of African American history.
3. Journal of Online Genealogy
This online journal is published regularly. Its articles, advice and stories offer good trails and guidance for amateur genealogists.
4. The RAND Genealogy Club
This group of RAND employees share the hobby of tracing their family trees and
have assembled a first-class site that shows the genealogical resources
available on the "information highway." It also includes information on
regional and ethic genealogy.
5. On Line Magazine of Genealogists/Everton Genealogical Helper online
edition
Each month this magazine features helpful primers for budding genealogists.
Past issues are also available online. For example, the September 1996 issue
explains ancestor tracking online in York County, Pennsylvania and the October
issue features databases of Australian immigrants and Union 'Colored' Troops.
6. Center for Life Stories Preservation
Pointing out that genealogical dates and places are only " the skeleton of the
family history - it is the stories which give it its character, " the Center
encourages people to write down their family stories and offers tips on how to
get family members to share their memories. There are pages for tracking
military records, and ideas for gathering stories for wedding anniversaries,
grandchildren and the family album.
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