tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post307571285126580845..comments2024-03-03T16:35:25.083-05:00Comments on Marian's Roots and Rambles: Some Words of EncouragementMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738104230962644360noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-75361677920855898982012-01-04T12:51:58.574-05:002012-01-04T12:51:58.574-05:00When in doubt about something, email or call the l...When in doubt about something, email or call the library or archive so you are informed before arrival. Also find out if they need/prefer to pull materials before your arrival. If you are looking at a lot of materials this may be helpful.<br /><br />Also search for and read blog posts about the places you want to visit. You may learn some useful tips and sometimes things to avoid doing.Jennifer Holikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14376766797515931160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-2891209154600053242012-01-02T09:23:00.039-05:002012-01-02T09:23:00.039-05:00Great tips. I used to regularly sit for so long t...Great tips. I used to regularly sit for so long that my feet went to sleep and my neck locked up. Take regular breaks, walk about, drink some water, and don't forget to eat lunch! Oh, and enjoy yourself :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-43196468541301921162012-01-01T17:25:25.940-05:002012-01-01T17:25:25.940-05:00Good tips, Marian! I especially encourage calling ...Good tips, Marian! I especially encourage calling or writing ahead so you know what the local protocols are. And if you do find a worker in the repository who is especially helpful:(1) thank them; (2) thank their boss; (3) don't take undue advantage!Craig Mansonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06567686559055003349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-13408872957206535202012-01-01T13:04:24.056-05:002012-01-01T13:04:24.056-05:00I envy John's wonderful new adventure in origi...I envy John's wonderful new adventure in original records. Whenever I visit an archive/repository, I'm always deeply moved by being able to touch a record that my ancestors also touched. Have a great time, John!Jan Deanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16180883150438794293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-21537970457862157152012-01-01T10:30:46.987-05:002012-01-01T10:30:46.987-05:00Remember to pack a lunch or snack so that your blo...Remember to pack a lunch or snack so that your blood sugar doesn't drop while you're busy finding records. You don't want to have to quit early because of your stomach.Travis LeMasterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16930839685824336645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-16296045124016547702012-01-01T10:00:09.189-05:002012-01-01T10:00:09.189-05:00My tip would be to have a clear goal about what in...My tip would be to have a clear goal about what information you are looking for and to draw up a list including names, dates and places (even if you are taking your entire family database on a laptop etc.).<br /><br />When visiting archives & genealogical libraries I often see people turn up "to do their family history" with only a vague idea of what it is they are looking for. They mostly go away empty-handed, not because the information isn't there but because they don't know what records to look in.<br /><br />It's also difficult for staff to help if the person doesn't know what it is they are looking for!Kirsty F Wilkinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05558508787388848119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-67034584682974268342012-01-01T09:53:23.046-05:002012-01-01T09:53:23.046-05:00I make sure that I have a list of clearly defined ...I make sure that I have a list of clearly defined goals in addition to my list of documents/books from the online catalog that I want to look up. I have GOOD - Genealogy "Ooh, Shiny" Disorder! If I don't have a clearly defined path I get too excited over all of the great new-to-me resources at the repository. Also, make sure you have a copy of your tree, especially the branches that you don't think you are going to research. I have yet to have a trip where I didn't accidentally stumble on something that would be useful for another person or area on my tree. Being able to identify it will help you notice and note these surprise finds for future research trips. <br /><br />Just a few things that a newbie has learned recently! :)Stephanie @ CornAndCotton.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16930433065322347111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-6428834083766413682011-12-31T20:38:22.100-05:002011-12-31T20:38:22.100-05:00In Australia, some of the smaller town societies a...In Australia, some of the smaller town societies ask that you ring and make an appointment, so that they can be sure to have a volunteer on hand who can help you, especially if you have discussed your needs in advance.<br /><br />Other larger Societies, that have reciprocal rights ie, being a member of one, means you don't have to pay a fee at the other, request that you bring a letter of introduction from your local Society <br /><br />NOTE: Many Australian local history and genealogical societies charge a daily fee to non-members for using their resources<br /><br />Being a member of the Genealogical Society of Victoria, meant that I could use the facilities at the Society of Genealogists in Sydney, NSW. However, when I turned up unannounced, without my Letter of Introduction, I was left on my own to muddle through without any guidance what-so-ever - so know the rules - at least here, downunder!luckyllamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16332811544831993907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-56131363146641058682011-12-31T17:34:59.414-05:002011-12-31T17:34:59.414-05:00I remember before my first trip trying to find som...I remember before my first trip trying to find some advice like this. I know it will be very helpful. I could only add that a strategy to try when time permits is to purchase those white gloves (I buy them on EBay) and take a set in my bag, so I have my own, in the right size, if I need to wear them. One other thought is to bring a flash drive in case there's a computer where you could download pdf's or photos of microfilm pages - this is much cheaper and more convenient than paying for printouts. <br />One other piece of advice is to remember these staff are busy and have their own work to do - so meet any objections (oh I don't know if I can get those volumes for you TODAY) with sympathy and complete agreement. Once they know you're kind and cooperative they usually manage to get whatever you need.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-60242362098415703352011-12-31T16:05:24.775-05:002011-12-31T16:05:24.775-05:00Sierra's comments about making a personal conn...Sierra's comments about making a personal connection is such a good one - the first time I went to our Provincial Archives, it was definitely challenging, so I smiled and asked the 'gatekeeper' on the public side of the guarded doorway, to "lead me by the hand so I don't make terrible mistakes!" And she and the guard were so helpful - I took notes of what I needed to know, and luckily had lots of change for copies. So exciting to be in a space where everyone there is researching for a purpose!! Wonderful experience, every time I go.Celia Lewishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04096301290962083820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-19582853152799112512011-12-31T15:40:14.322-05:002011-12-31T15:40:14.322-05:00That first time is always a bit scary but he'l...That first time is always a bit scary but he'll be surprised at what wonderful finds he can make in person:). Congrats to him for taking this important step!!Becky Higginshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04375430428083496025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-62578172542002170382011-12-31T12:54:09.233-05:002011-12-31T12:54:09.233-05:00I would check to see if there are lockers and can ...I would check to see if there are lockers and can you pack and bring a lunch to store there. Is there anywhere nearby to eat or are you better off bringing a sandwich from home! <br /><br />I started before the Internet was in existence so I did the exact opposite of your friend - all that was available were microfilms and libraries and archives. Such a treat to have other options at our fingertips but there is so much that can't be found online just waiting for an offline dig and delve!Olive Tree Genealogyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02381110998759242462noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691016683378293851.post-52772983480669332162011-12-31T12:52:03.609-05:002011-12-31T12:52:03.609-05:00I always find a librarian/staffer when I arrive. ...I always find a librarian/staffer when I arrive. I let them know it is my first time to the library/courthouse/etc and ask for any tips. Most will be happy to show you where everything is and how to request materials. <br /><br />I like to make that personal connection so that a new place is not so intimidating.Sierrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03193023613589962376noreply@blogger.com