User:AdkinsWH/Sandbox Closer to home access

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United States Genealogy Gotoarrow.png AdkinsWH/Sandbox Closer to home access
See also Gotoarrow.png Obtain the Records and Principles of Family History Research

The closer you can get to an original document, the better. Originals usually contain important clues that were missed or misread in indexes or transcripts.

Copying an original document or searching a set of records yourself is not always convenient. This page offers options for accessing far-away items within the United States. It is also a central listing of the many Wiki articles about the subject.

Services

Books, microfilm, other media[edit | edit source]

You may want to view the tutorial "Ancestors Season 1: Libraries and Archives" at the FamilySearch Learning Center.

Inter-library loan, etc.[edit | edit source]

Not everyone learned about ILL

Internet Resources[edit | edit source]

Millions of indexes and document images are added to the Internet every day. Some sites may be used free of charge and some ask you to subscribe ($) to search and view the indexes and/or images.

Tip
 If you don't find the name (and variations) when you search an index, try another index. Local societies or individuals often publish indexes to records of their areas. See also Look for Indexes


Popular sites for indexes or images[edit | edit source]

Sites for locating items in libraries or archives[edit | edit source]

(needs better heading)

  • WorldCat (Free)
  • Jstore

Government and University sites[edit | edit source]

  • National Archives
  • State Archives
  • Universities and Special Collections
  • State Libraries
  • Societies

Link-listing sites[edit | edit source]

(needs better heading) These sites scour the Internet for links to genealogy, history, and related items:

Tip
 When using an unfamiliar site, verify your findings though original records.


Social Media[edit | edit source]

Advantages of social media groups include: They may be willing to trade look-ups; they may have direct access or personal knowledge;

  • Genealogical community (cost trade off)
  • Forums
  • Facebook groups, etc.

Local Resources[edit | edit source]

There may be fees involved, including copy costs

Go there yourself[edit | edit source]

Search Services[edit | edit source]

"Look it up" vs. "Track it down" You have to know exactly what you want and you just need someone's feet and hands and eyes.

Look ups[edit | edit source]

You are very involved in the research when you use look-up services. You will tell them everything:

  • The name(s) you want them to look up
  • The record to search and copy, such as "index to Deed Book B"
  • A short date range, such as "The Daily World, for death notices and obituaries from April 12–22, 1915"

This may be a two-step process to have them first send you the index, from which you decide which specific copies to order.

Record holders: Libraries, societies, archives, offices, private record holders Record searchers

Researchers[edit | edit source]

You are less involved when you use research services. Frequently, you will supply what you already know and what you want to learn.

  • Referrals from libraries, societies, archives, friends

[edit | edit source]

  • Then by topics -- with links to states topics? If so, then the list can be generated in Excel

with links to states topics? If so, then the list can be generated in Excel

Family Records[edit | edit source]

Many families have stories or records that will help you. Bibles, photos, deeds, marriage certificates, wills, employment records, funeral programs, and much more may be stored in an attic, garage, or basement.

For ideas to access family records, see:

Land and Property[edit | edit source]

Newspapers[edit | edit source]

To Categorize[edit | edit source]

  • ↑ About Digital Public Library of America. Accessed 5/8/2013

    • This website requires a paid subscription for full access.

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