Organizing your genealogical research

Things to be kept track of in genealogy:

1. Records searched either on location or through microfilm.
2. Keeping track of microfilm ordered.
3. Keeping track of records or information requested through correspondence.
4. Records to search in the future: a "ToDo"
5. Building the fabric of an individual's life by compiling all information having to do with that person.
6. Managing the records

Technology for a Research Trip

While much information is available online, there comes a time when we must make a research trip. This can be a visit to a national repository such as the National Archives, a local source such as the county courthouse or a graveyard, or maybe just a trip to see pictures and hear family stories from Aunt Edna. We should plan ahead to make best use of our time and resources. This planning involves determining what information we need, where that information may be located, and what information is available at a specific repository.

Map Sources on the Internet workshop

 GENERAL

David Rumsey Map Collection: http://www.davidrumsey.com/ Click "Launch Collection in LUNA Browser."  You can search.  You can browse and narrow options by the "What," "Where," "Who," and "When" in the left column. 

Use maps in Google Earth: http://www.google.com/gadgets/directory?synd=earth&cat=featured&preview=on

Library Of Congress American Memory: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/browse/ListSome.php?category=Maps

Big Map Blog: http://www.bigmapblog.com/

USGS Map Locator & Downloader: http://store.usgs.gov/b2c_usgs/b2c/start/(xcm=r3standardpitrex_prd)/.do

Lesser Known Genealogical Websites

Most everyone is familiar with the larger genealogy sites such as Ancestry and FamilySearch. This presentation will focus on sites that are not as well known.

New York post cards and digitized newspapers (free): http://fultonhistory.com

DAR Genealogical Research System http://www.dar.org/library/online_research.cfm You can search to find if any of your ancestors of the right era have been claimed by DAR members and therefore proved to have served in the Revolutionary War. You can also search for descendants to see if any of your ancestors appear as descendants of patriot ancestors. Records can be obtained from the DAR showing proofs.