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This revised edition of The Source is intended
to identify and describe the rich body of original research material
that is available and to facilitate the use of these materials so
that family history can be preserved and enjoyed. The first chapter,
titled "The Foundations of Family History Research," acquaints
the novice researcher with the basic skills and knowledge needed
for successful research. This extensively revised edition of The
Source includes changes in every chapter to reflect the fact
that some record collections have moved, record access policies
have changed, previously inaccessible records have become available
and many more new records have been newly discovered. This volume
offers two chapters that emphasize contemporary usage and include
information on databases, indexes and other finding aids. |
2.
The Handybook for Genealogists, 1991
Everton Publishers, PO Box 368 Logan, UT 84323, (800) 443-6325
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At 356 pages, plus 56 pages of maps, the eighth edition
includes many important new features not the least of which are
the color state maps and handy migration route maps. About 750,000
copies of previous editions of this valuable book are in the hands
of genealogists throughout the world. In compiling the eighth edition
the publishers requested from every county or parish clerk an update
of records in their custody of value to genealogists. These records
include vital records, court proceedings, land and property records
and a variety of other record types. Approximately 95 percent of
parish and county officials have responded. This edition also includes
the most recent comprehensive list of archives, genealogical libraries
and genealogical societies for each state. Organized alphabetically
by state the publisher recommends that the general information on
each state be referred to before researchers move to the county
listings that follow. |
3.
The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy
3rd Edition, Greenwood, Val D. (2000)
The Genealogical Publishing Company, 1001 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore
MD 21202, (410) 837-8271.
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The completely revised third edition is an essential
text for the present generation of researchers in American genealogy.
It identifies the various classes of records employed in research,
groups them in convenient tables and charts, gives their location
and uses and evaluates them in the context of the research process.
Designed to answer practically all of the researchers needs, it
is both a textbook and an all-purpose reference book. Genealogical
Publishing, the publishers, claim that if you can only afford to
buy one book on American genealogy in your lifetime, this has to
be it. |
4.
Evidence! Citation and Analysis for the Family Historian
Mills, Elizabeth Shown
The Genealogical Publishing Company, 1001 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore
MD 21202, (410) 837-8271.
This new book provides the family history researcher with a reliable
standard for both the correct form of source citation and sound analysis
of evidence. Successful research that yields correct information depends
upon a sound analysis of evidence. Source citation is fundamental, but
is not enough. Citing a worthless source is an effort that produces
worthless results. By providing needed guidelines and explicit models
tailored to genealogy, Evidence offers a road map for beginners and
guideposts for the advanced researcher.
5.
Periodical Source Index
Allen County Public Library Foundation, Ft. Wayne, IN (219) 421-1225.
PERSI is the largest and most widely used index of genealogical and
historical periodicals in the world. Created by the Allen County Public
Library in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, PERSI is recognized as one of the staples
of high quality genealogy research. It references more than 5,000 US
and Canadian periodicals and includes over one million indexed entries
of articles for which copies can be obtained from the Allen County Public
Library. Available as a multi-volume set of books and on CD-ROM.
6.
Ancestry's Red Book: American State, County and Town Sources
Eichholz, Alice, Editor
Ancestry, PO Box 990, Orem, UT 84059, (800) 531-1790.
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This 858-page book is an expansive guide to the most
useful resources in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The book is organized alphabetically by state. The format of this
book was designed to provide a consistent and detailed guide for
each state. Excellent guides for developing research strategies
are included in the Background Sources for each state. Every state's
chapter begins with a brief historical background discussion. Knowledge
about the history, settlement patterns and context in which the
records were kept, helps the research process. One of the most popular
and productive ways to find an ancestor is through census records.
These are extensively covered state by state along with background
sources, land and probate records and a host of other research resources
such as court, tax, church and military records. A state map with
county divisions and principal cities completes each state section.
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7.
The Genealogist's Address Book
Bentley, Elizabeth P.
The Genealogical Publishing Company, 1001 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore
MD 21202, (410) 837-8271.
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The Genealogist's Address Book, now in its
fourth edition , is a national Yellow Pages for the genealogist.
Classified by subject, cross-referenced and alphabetized, it puts
you in touch with all the key sources of genealogical information.
Based on a written survey of thousands of organizations and institutions
the new 4th edition has been extensively revised. With thousands
of new entries and revisions to 75,000 existing entries, the 4th
edition is now even more valuable to researchers. This edition will
keep you current and place a world of resources at your fingertips.
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8.
American Genealogical-Biographical Index
Rider, Fremont
The Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield Street Middleton, CT 06457
(860) 346-4375.
This treasure house of New England genealogies is not yet complete
even though it was started in 1942. Referred to as the AGBI, the collection
will eventually comprise about 210 volumes and can be referred to at
about 175 libraries in the U.S. and at the Godfrey Memorial Library,
publishers, in Middletown, CT. This index is widely referred to by experienced
genealogists searching for early New England ancestors. It includes
records that are available nowhere else, including over two million
records from the genealogy columns of the Boston Transcript. AGBI also
includes a consolidation of all of the heads of families who lived in
the U.S. in 1790 and 43 volumes of soldiers of the American Colonies
who served in the Revolutionary War. The vast amount of information
in AGBI, that will include twelve million Americans when it is complete,
make it the first reference index that should be searched by genealogists
doing Colonial-era research.
9.
Genealogical & Local History Books in Print
5th Edition, (1996-97)
The Genealogical Publishing Company, 1001 N. Calvert Street,
Baltimore MD 21202, (410) 837-8271.
The four volumes of Genealogical & Local History Books in Print
provide the researcher with a giant catalog of commercially, corporately
and privately published books on genealogy and local history that are
presently in print. Volume one is the Family History Volume and contains
listings of family histories. Volume two lists genealogical books in
print of general reference or world resources. Volumes three and four
are devoted to U.S. sources and resources. If your research calls for
tracking down and purchasing books on genealogy and local history this
work is indispensable.
10.
Genealogy as Pastime and Profession
2nd Edition, Jacobus, Donald Lines (Revised 1986)
The Genealogical Publishing Company, 1001 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore
MD 21202, (410) 837-8271.
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Written in a clear and graceful style by the dean
of American genealogy, this classic work describes the principles
of genealogical research, the evaluation of evidence and the relationship
of genealogy to chronology, eugenics and the law. It discusses nomenclature,
royal ancestry, the use of source material and the methods of compiling
a family history. It is, in short, the very foundation of American
genealogy a manifesto of methods, aims and principles. |
Two books are worthy of honorable mention since they were on our experts'
lists but didn't quite make our Top 10 group based on Family
Chronicle staff selection criteria. The books are Map Guide
to U.S. Federal Census Records by Dollarhide and Thorndale and They
Came in Ships by John Phillip Colletta.
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