10 Questions to Ask Before You Visit a Research Facility
Tuesday May 12, 2009
It's fun to sit on my couch in my pjs and search for my ancestors, but when I can find the time I always prefer the firsthand thrill of the hunt - talking to relatives, poking around in cemeteries and courthouses, and walking the streets and land where my ancestors once stood. Before planning a trip to the State Historical Society, the Family History Library, the National Archives or the local courthouse, however, I always do my homework. There is nothing more frustrating as a genealogist than to drive two hours for a day at the State Archives only to find out they are closed this week for renovations, or that the records you need are in off-site storage and can't be retrieved for at least 3 days (yes, I learned this the hard way!). Prepare for your genealogy research trip in advance with these 10 Tips for On-Site Genealogy Research. In addition, asking these 10 key questions in advance of your visit will help you to avoid frustration and increase your research time.
Comments
I believe the most importatant question listed here is: Is there an online index of available records? Always plan out which records you intend to search before going.
Va. has a complete list of all county records available – and availabe to lend. Galileo lists the number of copies of each book in most libraries.
Going armed with a research plan means twice as much gets accomplished.
Another question is how much do copies cost. It ranges anywhere between 10 cents and 25 cents. My solution is to take a digital camera and photograph pages. I end up with page copies saved on my computer to print out when ever I want.
I would never have thought about bringing a camera…great idea…Thanks.
Good tips both from you and the two comments posted so far.
Very good advice. Here in the UK some record offices close on certain days of the month. My local archives close the whole of the first week of every month for maintenance – so it really is important that you make sure the repository you are visiting is open on the day you want to go!
Irish Roots magazine ran a great series in 2008 on ‘getting started in genealogy’. Some great tips in there too which are bound to save people time and money if thinking about travelling to Ireland to trace their ancestors. Irish Roots are giving away a free set of the 2008 back copies to new subscribers but this offer is available for the month of May 09 only.
I would add: What do I need to get in (ID)? and What can I bring with me (documents, laptop, flash drive, etc.) in the research room?