When you’re researching your family tree, one of the many wonderful resources is your local library or genealogy research center. Larger libraries often have an area dedicated to this type of research; but even the smallest ones can prove useful when used effectively.
This article will explain what you are likely to find at these centers and how to make the most of them. If, like me, you tend to use these resources when traveling or short on time, you’ll find it very useful.
What are family tree research centers?
Before we dive into the various ways to optimize your study time, let’s take a brief look at the centers themselves. What they are and what to expect when you get there.
libraries : Within many libraries there is a collection of records that are ideal for researching your family tree. While larger libraries often have an area dedicated to this type of study; even the smallest libraries often contain relevant records and information.
Libraries may contain some or all of the following:
- registration of births, deaths and marriages
- newspaper copies
- telephone and occupation directories
- street atlas
- maps
- historical photographs
As these records are generally stored on media such as microfiche and CD, the relevant equipment is provided to read/print them. Newer versions of these machines also allow logs to be emailed to a relevant person or saved to a USB drive.
Dedicated Research Centers :
Although they are often similar to the genealogy sections in major libraries, there are a couple of subtle differences. These are:
- They tend to focus on the local area and contain everything from municipal rate books to collections of historical newspapers and photographs.
- they are often staffed by volunteers, who can help you in your research
Generally, I make use of both types of facilities. Libraries help with basic information and dedicated research centers add color to the lives of my ancestors. Where did they work, how did they live, etc.
Planning your research trip
As with any research period, a little planning goes a long way in making the most of it. Before heading to your local library or research center, consider the following:
- Print all the material you currently have and take it with you. This includes the birth/marriage/death dates of the family members you are tracking, short biographies, and a copy of the known family tree.
- Compile a list of specific questions. When you first arrive downtown, it’s great to be able to pull up a chair and dive right in. Having a list of questions will ensure that you stay focused and can work methodically on the area that you are tracking.
- Focus on a fairly small number of people. Obviously this number will vary with the amount of time you have available, but for my own research, I try to keep the list to a maximum of 20 or more.
When you arrive, a couple of other things to note:
- Use things that are not readily available elsewhere. If you have traveled to a small town research center, look for information specific to the area. Copies of local newspapers, old photographs of the area, and items from social history (local events such as floods, crimes, and accidents). It’s also worth talking to the people who run the center, as they (in many cases) have lived in the area for some time.
- Find out the exact locations of local sites. After a few hours at the research center, you will probably want to visit local churches, cemeteries/crematoriums, homes, and workplaces. Find out where they are and how to get there. In the case of cemeteries/crematoriums, the more information on plots; the best.
Final Thoughts on Making the Most of Family Tree Research Centers and Libraries
As you can see, the easiest way to make your research time effective is to plan your trip. A little preparation can really pay off, and when you’re paying by the hour or by the day, it makes a world of difference.
