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Library Research

Replies: 16

Re: Library Research

Posted: 8 Dec 2011 6:18PM GMT
Classification: Query
I agree with the other poster that you should post which city / town you will be visiting. There are many of us who are familiar with what is available at libraries, Historical Societies, court houses and etc.

An example from my own research: I traveled several states away to visit my family's "home town" of Wabasha, Minnesota. The librarian did a general research for me before I arrived and told me which newspapers were available on microfilm and what genealogy records they had which might help me. Others on Ancestry.com told me exactly what I might find at the local courthouse. I contacted the Wabasha County Historical Society to learn what information they held and arranged a meeting with the head of that group. I also researched via online records exactly what I could find at the Minnesota State Historical Society. I spent five days and used my time very wisely but still didn't access everything I wanted to. I still have a couple of things I couldn't look up in the time I had allocated to the research.

I wrote a list of information I wanted to obtain in order of importance to me, and crossed it off as I found (or didn't find) it.

I prepared pages for each family member I wanted to research; in the evening I compiled all information I found and what still needed to be researched.

Find out when you arrive whether you are allowed to take photos of information. Or whether there is a photocopier available to make copies. Or whether there are microilms connected to photocopiers. And etc.

I suggest calling and asking what exactly they have on file. If you are traveling to another town or state, find out whether there is another group or society you can visit for information.

Good luck
SubjectAuthorDate Posted
troysteris 8 Dec 2011 5:04PM GMT 
BarbaraMunson... 8 Dec 2011 8:06PM GMT 
troysteris 8 Dec 2011 9:31PM GMT 
BarbaraMunson... 8 Dec 2011 10:16PM GMT 
troysteris 8 Dec 2011 10:22PM GMT 
bethrau1 9 Dec 2011 1:18AM GMT 
bethrau1 9 Dec 2011 1:23AM GMT 
AGHatchett3rd 9 Dec 2011 6:55AM GMT 
BarbaraMunson... 9 Dec 2011 12:18PM GMT 
troysteris 9 Dec 2011 7:39PM GMT 
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