Research trips are the best

When I started out on this path I thought I had a pretty good grasp of what it took to visit a research facility.  Boy was I wrong!  True, I knew how to use most search features on the computer, plus a card catalog, but there was so much more to a trip than I realized.  I wish I knew more before I took my first major research trip.

  

That first big trip (away from home) was to the Allen County Library in Ft. Wayne, which was also at the same time as the FGS conference that year (2013).  I was making it a large trip, since I am from Indiana, which meant that not only did I visit a large repository by also a few smaller ones, family members, and dozens of cemeteries.  It was a great time, but it could have gone so much better.  How do I know?  Well, I am still working on processing the data from the trip since I saved things in so many different ways and places.

For my trip I was lucky enough to be able to stay with family.  Many people when they take a trip will not be so lucky.  Which means you will need to learn more on where to find good lodging, navigating a new place, and other details that may fall through the cracks.  Spreadsheets and planning to the rescue!

Travel checklist:

• Copies (digital best) of the research you need to do
• Extra thumb drives for copy machines
• Extra batteries if you take a digital camera
• All the cables (double check!) you will need for equipment
• Spare change for lockers or vending machines
• Maps, directions, addresses

When I travel it is usually with my family and I try to do activities outside of research with them as well.  However, one tip I thought important was if you can attend a local meeting for a genealogical or historical society.  There you might meet someone who is familiar with where, or even who, you are researching.  Those types of networking opportunities are wonderful, and I encourage you to take advantage of them.

The Family History Library (FHL) in Salt Lake City, Utah is one of those dream research locations for genealogists.  Many people plan for years for their one trip.  Others are lucky enough to go regularly on a pilgrimage to this repository.  Once again, there are tips and tricks in there that I wish I had known about before!

I have gone to the FHL three, and I am very sad I will not be back for RootsTech 2018.  Two times I had only 1 day at the FHL, but the last time I was excited to put in multiple days there. Actually, I did homework for 3 days there.  Perfect setting I have to say!

Repository Checklist:

• Your pre-research lists on what you want to see
• Do you need to call ahead and request any documents to be pulled
• Extra jacket / sweater cause repositories can get cold
• Appropriate bags and instruments for research (check their guidelines)

Since the one time a year I get to go also corresponds with RootTech it is a crazy time in the area.  Other times of the year are less packed, but at peak times of the year you can run into so many people from our community all doing what we love…research.  So check your calendars.

If you do get to Salt Lake do not forget to go to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building (JSMB).  The JSMB holds some records that are only found on microfilm at the FHL as well as having computers for research and a cafeteria.  The one thing I can vouch for is the café in the JSMB.  I ate there once and it was very, very good food for reasonable price.

Visiting The DMV: Researching in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area

A visit to the nation’s capital can be fun, exhilarating, and very frustrating.  Take it from someone who lives nearby.  This handout and presentation will guide you through some of the key points to make your trip a bit more enjoyable and a lot less frustrating.  I have included tips on getting around as well as some of the more unique places to explore.  

You can learn more from my book about researching in the area too. Good luck and happy researching!

The Grid and Neighborhoods

To make sure you know your way around it is crucial to know the grid system.  As a planned city once you understand the layout you will always know where you are.  The key is understanding that the capitol building is the center point to the grid.  

Looking at a map from above put a pin in the capitol building.  Now draw a straight north south line and an east west line.  These are the 4 quadrants of DC: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest.  There are numbered and lettered streets in each quadrant with the numbers running north to south and the letters running east to west.  In addition, streets with state names run diagonal across the city and other named roads take over after the numbers and letters run out.  Here is a great article to read more on the grid system.

There are dozens of neighborhoods and “districts” within DC.  Most tourists stay in the Downtown areas, or maybe adventure up into some of the quaint west side neighborhoods.  Each one has its one flare and vibe and historic homes to spare.

·        Downtown: Essentially this region is what most people think of when they imagine DC in their heads.  It contains the monuments, museums, White House, Chinatown, Tidal Basin, and so much more.

·        North Central:  This is one of the livelier regions in DC.  Home to Howard University and Dupont Circle it has unique boutique shopping, restaurants, embassies, and hotels. 

·        West: Home to historic Georgetown this is region is home to historic houses, fine dining and a vibrant nightlife.  More of Embassy row is located here in addition to the National Cathedral, American University, and the National Zoo.  This is where the crème de-la crème live and is home to many of the nation’s wealthiest individuals. 

·        East: This region begins at the Capitol and fans out from there past Union station and out toward Anacostia.  It consist of unique and somewhat eccentric neighborhoods, the National Arboretum, the National Shrine, and Gallaudet University.  This is the largest of the regions, and one of the quietest too.  

·        Anacostia: This is a skinny strip of land that lies east of Anacostia River encompassing several different neighborhoods.  It holds the Frederick Douglas House, the Congressional Cemetery, the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Museum, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, and Historic Uniontown to name a few.

Transportation

While you can drive in the city, for those who are not familiar with the one-way roads and layout it may be a bit daunting.  It is best to find a place to stay within walking or driving distance of the Metro.  Of course, you could always take an Uber, Lyft, or Taxis. Even better, what about bicycling around town?

One piece of advice though: Stand right, walk left.  Know it, live it!  Stand right, walk left is the etiquette for escalators (and moving sidewalks) in the region.  Please, be kind and considerate to your fellow travelers and follow this simple rule.  It is what marks you as a considerate person here.

Below is a listing of the various forms of transportation available within The District.  Please check before your trip to make sure of the fares, schedule maintenance, or if there are any other reasons why transportation may be disrupted.

·         Capital Bikeshare: rent a bike for a few hours or for the day! It is a great way to see the city and get around town. http://www.capitalbikeshare.com/

·        The Metro (Metrorail and Metrobus): You must purchase a SmartTrip® card to ride the metro system.  It card is a permanent, rechargeable card and can also get you discounts at museums, stores, and restaurants through their Deals and Discounts program.  Cards can be purchased online, Metrorail station, Metro sales offices, or commuter stores.  http://www.wmata.com/

Be aware that while in DC this fall “Safe Tracking” will still be in operation.  This program is a continuous rollout of updates and much needed maintenance to the city metro.  To know which lines are going to be effected during your stay make sure to consult the safe track website https://www.wmata.com/service/SafeTrack.cfm and the Metrorail social media feeds before leaving your hotel.

·        Amtrak: These trains serve much of the surrounding area and make daytrips easy and affordable.  Tickets can be ordered online or at the station. http://www.amtrak.com/home

·        MARC Commuter Train: Maryland based commuter rail system and is only in operation on weekdays.  The Penn Line is the only one that offers weekend service.  http://mta.maryland.gov/marc-train

·        VRE Commuter Train: Virginia based commuter rail system and is only in operation on weekdays. http://www.vre.org/

·        Water Taxi: The Potomac Riverboat company offers a water taxi service from the National Mall, Alexandria, and the National Harbor.  http://www.potomacriverboatco.com/

Unique DC Repositories:

·        Gallaudet University Library Deaf Collections and Archives: In addition to the collection on the deaf and mute community it has a genealogy collection which contains information from various publications and a marriage index. 

http://www.gallaudet.edu/library_deaf_collections_and_archives.html

·        Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, Howard University

One of the world largest and comprehensive institutions for people of African descent not only in America but the world. http://www.howard.edu/msrc/

·        The George Washington University Libraries : Rare books, manuscripts, African Americana, Washingtonia, and more.  http://library.gwu.edu/

·        Naval History and Heritage Command: This is a collection of sites (both virtual and physical) that hold anything associated with the U.S. Navy.  The main resources and research website (http://www.history.navy.mil/research_and_collections.html) is great reference, but listed below are a few of the in-person area archives you can visit.

 ·        The Smithsonian Institution: Depending on what you are researching, one of the Smithsonian’s may be able to help you.  In addition you can also search the SIRIS Image Gallery (http://sirismm.si.edu/siris/sirisimagegallery.htm) which holds over half a million images from a number of the Smithsonian’s collections.  To see a full listing of archives the Smithsonian Intuition has please go to the archives website at http://siarchives.si.edu/

Near DC, Unique VA Repositories:

·        Alexandria Public Library, Local History Collection: http://www.alexandria.lib.va.us/client/home

·        Arlington County Library, Center for Local History: http://library.arlingtonva.us/center-for-local-history/

·        City of Fairfax Regional Library, Virginia Room: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/vr/

·        Jack Klein Memorial Genealogy Library: By appointment only. Address: Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria 22304. Phone: 703-370-9400. Email: office@bethelhebrew.org

·        The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: A majority of the Air and Space Archive collection is held here.   http://airandspace.si.edu/research/resources/archives/visit-the-archives.cfm

Near DC, Unique  MD Repositories:

·        Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Washington Library: http://jgsgw.org/library.html

·        National Archives for Black Women’s History: This institution documents the life of Mary McLeod Bethune and spans her lifetime (1875-1955).  Documents include information on the National Council of Negro Women as well as individuals and organizations related to the council. http://www.nps.gov/mamc/historyculture/mamc_nabwh.htm

·        University of Maryland, Maryland Reading Room, Hornbake Library North: http://www.lib.umd.edu/special

·        U.S. National Library of Medicine : http://www.nlm.nih.gov/

NGS Press Release : Research Trip to Ft. Wayne

National Genealogical Society Opens Registration for Research Trip to Fort Wayne, IN
15 to 19 August 2016

ARLINGTON, VA, 10 FEB 2016—Registration is now open for the National Genealogical Society’s guided research trip to the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, from 15–19 August 2016. Under the guidance of research consultants Pamela S. Eagleson, CG SM and Patricia Walls Stamm, CG SM, CGLSM, participants have five days to conduct personal research at one of the largest genealogical libraries in the Midwest. For more information or to register for the trip, visit http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/ft_wayne_research_trip.

One of the noteworthy research repositories, the Allen County Public Library houses the Fred J. Reynolds Historical Genealogy Collection; PERSI, the Periodical Source Index, and in a joint venture with the Indiana State Museum, the Abraham Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection. The library’s collection contains more than 350,000 printed volumes and 513,000 microforms.
The trip includes:

• Guidance from leading experts
• Online orientation
• Meet and greet for participants
• Four genealogical presentations
• Personal research consultations with group leaders
• Tour of the Abraham Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection
• Five nights at the Courtyard by Marriott, including free internet in rooms and parking for one car or airport transfers
• Fees and taxes for all planned events

For more information or to register for the trip visit http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/ft_wayne_research_trip. Payment is required in full at the time of registration. The package price does not include transportation to Fort Wayne.

Eagleson is a researcher, writer, and teacher who conducts client and personal research nationwide with an emphasis on New England, the mid-Atlantic, and the Midwest. A member of NGS since 1981, she currently serves as a director at large. She lectures at NGS national conferences as well as regional and local conferences. She has attended the National Institute on Genealogical Research (NIGR), the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP). Winner of the 2004 NGS Family History Writing Contest, she is co-administrator of the Stone Surname DNA project and a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and many regional genealogical societies.

Stamm serves as NGS Education Manager. She lectures on a wide variety of topics at many of NGS and the Federation of Genealogical Societies national conferences. She is a graduate of the NIGR and IGHR. Stamm is a course coordinator at Samford University's Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research and teaches at St. Louis Community College.

Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogical education, the highest standards of research, and the preservation of genealogical records. The Arlington, Virginia, based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian, seeking excellence in publications, educational offerings, and guidance in research. It also offers many opportunities to interact with other genealogists.

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The words Certified Genealogist are a registered certification mark, and the designations CG, CGL and Certified Genealogical Lecturer are service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists®.

Pre-RootsTech Wrap-up

Seriously, when did it become Thursday?  The time is flying around here!  Which means I owe you all a few posts letting you know what is going on here at Rootstech.  As well as giving you some fun bits about what I am doing around here!

I arrived into Salt Lake City Sunday afternoon.  Thankfully even though I flew through Denver it was still nice weather and I did not get stuck there like travelers the next day!  I was also lucky that I was able to travel with a great friend (and awesome traveling companion) the whole way which always makes airports and flights so much fun.

The only down side to traveling to RootsTech for me is that I only have one day of research time at the Family History Library.  Those of you who have been there are groaning right now I know it.  Honestly, one day is a drop in the bucket for the amount of time that a person could spend there.

It was great watching my traveling companion make a few amazing finds of her own.  The lucky duck actually spent three days at the library. Three. Days.  Three!  I promise not to hate her too much.

Microfilm Cabinets at the
Family History Library

Those who are family and read this blog with the family connections will be happy that I was able to gather information on a couple lines.  Which means, family history blog posts will be coming in the next few weeks.

Valerie Eichler Lair from Val’s Roots was a sweet heart and helped me organize a research to-do sheet for several lines that I needed to work on for various reasons.  Valerie actually teaches people who to prepare for large research trips to facilities, so check her out if you need any advice.

I worked on my Arvin and Combs lines.  For my husband I worked on his Thompson and McChesney lines.  While I did not complete my whole list, I did make some wonderful discoveries that I can’t wait to share with you in the next few weeks.

Tuesday was play in the morning and work in the evening for me.  I joined a wonderful bunch of ladies on an excursion to the Great Salt Lake.  Before you ask… yes, it was cold…yes, there was snow…yes, we were a bit insane.

However, even in the middle of the winter it was an amazing place to visit.  The vistas were warmth, and thought I was nuts.  No bison pictures for me.  Oh, well.

No it is not real, just a statue.
But look at the view.

breathtaking with the snow covered mountains and the glistening water.  We even saw two herds of bison grazing.  I, however, was the only one who wanted to get out of the car and take pictures.  Everyone else was just fine in the

My luck with food however, has been hit or miss.  Well, really more miss than hit, but those are the situations which amazing stories are made of.  For instance, ask me about the hot sake experiment if you see in the future.

Researching in Fairfax VA

This week I went to a new to me archive and was SO VERY happy I did.  In fact, I am making plans for my next trip.  Which, in reality, I could totally go there all day every day and be happy and content.

I recently began researching for client who has deep roots in Fairfax County Virginia.  She was able to get back to her great-grandfather but no further.  I was the lucky genealogist she contacted to pull records and dig a little deeper on the ground.  Unfortunately,

Fairfax is not a repository that I had researched at before so it took me a few days of digging and prep work before I figured out how to proceed.

If you have ancestors in the Fairfax area and have the opportunity to stop in and research there I highly recommend it.  They do have a large number of items digitized, but the archivists will still pull the original records for you to view any way.  I was able to see many of the original records for my client’s family including the name of her ancestor on a document stating that he voted for secession from the Union they pulled from the vault then copied for me.

You can learn more about researching onsite at Fairfax Circuit Court Historic Records by going to this website.  They are open 8am – 4pm Monday –Friday for research.

If you are in the area on 10 October 2015 they have an open house for the public.  On display there will be the original will of Martha Washington.  It is going to be an amazing time!

Research at the Southern Maryland Studies Center

I love finding out of the way hidden research gems.  It just drives home the fact that not everything is online, and yes you still need to get out and do research in brick and mortar buildings sometimes.  A few weeks ago I had an amazing adventure in Maryland and I wanted to share it with you.

You see, I am on a mission.  My mission, as set out by my mother, is to get her ancestor Edward Arvin listed as a DAR patriot.  I have talked about him before on this blog and seeing that I have his pension file this should be a slam dunk right?  Well, there is one glitch.  The solid proof that he is the father of Henry Arvin, the son through which my line descends.  I have lots, and lots, of circumstantial evidence but I am still holding out hope that I will find that elusive document that clearly shows relation.  Proving family folklore is a pain at times, right?

The family resided near Port Tobacco in Charles County, Maryland which had record losses from the War of 1812.  Earlier this spring I stumbled on an archive located there which specializes in Charles County records and research. I called, made an appointment, and spent a whole day researching my family.

The Southern Maryland Studies Center, located on the campus of the College of Southern Maryland at La Plata, was a treasure trove of information.  I called ahead of time to talk to the Archivist there about the collection and to schedule a time that I could come in at other than the ones posted.  Living 2 hours away and having to plan around bus/school schedules made it difficult to get in there at the times the archive is normally open. 

It was well worth the trip, and I know I will need to make several more trips back there in the future.  The archives, which contain the historical and genealogical society records, is only open from 1pm-4pm M-F or by appointment.  However, the stacks with all the genealogical published books are open when the main library is open which varies during the school year so check the website.  First time visitors do have to read and sign a sheet stating they understand the rules of the archives.  You can see the sheet on the centers planning your visit page.

I am still going through the documents I uncovered.  One more thing I did realize while there, I will have to figure out how to get to the Maryland State Archives.  They may just have the key to my research.  YAY road trip! 

FGS Wrap up and coming home

Last time we talked I was heading over to the extended research hours at the ACPL on Friday.  My boys were crashing at that time and so were my parents.  Since they were all on their last legs of energy they abandoned me at the library and headed back to the hotel for takeout pizza, movies, and bed times.  Grandparents can be awesome.

I however stayed until 11:45 pm that night. The only regret was that I intended to go down for the lecture but instead I had my head buried in a book while sitting on the floor in the stacks. C’est la vie!  My entire goal for the evening was Indiana research and nothing but Indiana research.  This would be one of the few times I will be at a library where all the books on Indiana counties I needed would be there at the same time.  County by county I went and I searched.  Boy did I luck out with quite a few books which I have never seen before.

Of course the fact that I remembered to pack multiple thumb drives was pure inspiration.  No papers to drag back home as the copy machine would scan the images to the drive.  I was giddy, giddy I tell you about this fact.  On occasion a kind person would let me know that my paper wasn’t printing and after I thanked them I told them I wouldn’t have any since it was going directly to the drive. A couple people said they were coming back the next day with their own after a trip to the local store.

Dancers at the ACPL

At one point in the evening I heard the Virginia Reel playing.  I don’t think I have actually heard it since the 4^th grade when we were all forced to learn colonial dances to go along with Maryland state history.  I went to check it out, you do need to take a break every so often after all, and saw the most amazing civil war dresses! They were all decked out.

Finds for the evening were will books (not abstracted), land records, plats, maps, and histories.  I was very pleased with my take home.  That is right up to the point when I found out that several of the last copy sessions I did actually didn’t save more than the first couple pages to my drive. I could have cried. Quickly I looked over the lecture listing for the morning and decided that there was two that I REALLY wanted to take but I could come back over to the library and re-scan those pages.

At 8am I was up for Harold Henderson’s Three Ways to Improve Your Speaking Ideas. He focused mainly on ways to come up with topics, to refine the text, and synthesize ideas.   I wanted to take it as I decided over the weekend (with a little push from others) that I really do want to lecture and teach more.  When I am in front of a group of people who want to learn it reminds me of why I loved teaching and why I was working on my certificate in college.

99 year old letter found
in back of book at the ACPL

After that I meet up with my copy monkey, um, I mean my mom and dad and we all went over to the library together. We copied the needed information from the night before and then, to be fair, I began copying information on my husband’s side of the family.  I should have looked at records for his Indiana families (I forgot, okay) but I really wanted to work on a couple New England mysteries for him. 

Needless to say I didn’t make it back to the afternoon session I wanted.  However, I did order several of the lectures from the conference as MP3s, including that one.  That way if I want to relive the experience, or pick up something the second time around, I will be able to do that.

Oh, and before someone asks, the boys were with my husband on Saturday.  They had the day off for good behavior.  He took them to see the replica Fort and then the zoo.  We were all regaled with musket and animal stories through the evening.  After being so good (with the exception of one melt down from the youngest) they deserved to do something fun for kids.

So needless to say I am home.  Laundry is going, research is being filled away, and my brain is slowly returning back to normal from information overload.  There will be research based posts and other tidbits I am sure over the next few months.  Just keep an eye out.

You know what, I can’t wait to do it again!

School's out for summer! Just not for me...

"Snap-the-Whip" [9 boys playing in front of rural schoolhouse]
 Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Summer is officially starting around here the end of this week, and I am starting out with no voice because of a cold like ick.  My kids get out of school Friday and my countdown to when they will go back will begin.  Just kidding…sort of. 

This summer is already filling up pretty quick with family activities, summer camps, and of course research.  I have finally procured a sitter for a couple different weeks.  She has agreed to me leaving my darlings with her while I make it up to NARA and the Library of Congress in DC to do research.  I may even be able to fit in a jaunt to the DAR library and NGS.  Needless to say I have to get cracking on a research list and plan out my visits. 

In other news, I have officially signed up for the September 2013 starting class of the Boston University Certificate in Genealogical Studies.  The excitement is wearing off and the nerves are setting in.  I haven’t been back to “school” in 15 years and I really want to be successful at this.  High hopes and all you know.  I even signed up to be a substitute teacher for next year to help pay for the program.  You know it has to be serious if I would be willing re-enter the work force after 12 years of being at home.

My get “my feet wet in online courses” class has mid-terms this week.  Last week’s module was awesome for the genealogists in the class.  It was an entire section on personal genomics and how the different genetic genealogy testing companies do what they do.  It was like being in a candy store watching the videos and doing the reading.  I just couldn’t get enough.

I am doing okay in the class, not as good as I thought I would, but okay.  While I am doing okay (quiz average of a low B) it is bringing home to me the fact that I really need interaction in some things at a personal level.  There is a discussion forum where I can talk about the problems with fellow students and the staff chimes in only when we are having problems.  I don’t like it, and I think I would prefer to have a staff lead discussion section.  Way too many what ifs and unclear answers which a things that I do not deal well with.

My other take away is that I still stink at math.  Our professor makes a lot of assumptions that we know (remember) formulas from prior biology classes or statistics.  I hate statistics and the fact that I do not have a firm grasp of mathematics is showing through.  Let me restate that, my grasp on advanced algebraic functions, statistics, and calculus has never been solid.  Yes, I can do basic math and know my way around a calculator if I know what formula to use.  Other than that I am beyond lost.  It is because I get all the theory questions correct that I have a B so far in the class.

This class ends the week that my Gen Proof Study group starts up.  8 weeks of discussion and analysis on the Tom Jones book Mastering the Genealogical Proof.  Do you know how excited I am he is one of the instructors for the BU program?  I have skimmed the book once, and it is now sitting on my shelf.  The end of July will be here before I know it and I am just going to have to get over my aversion of writing in books and highlighting stuff.

Oh, you know what this means?! It means a trip to the office supply store in my near future!  Hello, my name is Shannon, and I have an office supply addiction…

Being prepared for research

I had a fantastic time this past weekend; visiting the nation’s capital with my family, doing some research at NARA, and attending the Family Tree University’s Virtual Conference.  Yes, it was packed to the gills with activities and by the time Sunday night rolled around I poured myself into bed.  Tales of my adventures will be coming shortly; I just have to get them all down on paper.  As well as going through the nearly 1,000 images I have of files from the archive.

There is one thing I want to comment on, that actually astounded me, and it still leaves me shaking my head.  Why, oh why, would you walk into the National Archives without doing any preliminary research?  Over the 2 days I was there I saw person after person walk up to the desk in the main room and ask the staff the same type question.  I want to find out about my family, where do I start.  That in itself isn’t a bad question, unless you know nothing about your ancestors or even where to start looking.  A few of them had never even heard of the online databases that the staffers showed them on the computers to get them started.  In fact, I think one gentleman was downright flabbergasted that they just couldn’t produce the information he sought out of thin air.  No, I am not exaggerating.

Before I arrived at NARA I printed out the images for the pension index cards I wanted to look up, as well as taking my iPad with PDF’s of websites and sources from my family tree in case I ran into problems.  I made sure to say please and thank you, because you know kindness and courtesy can go a long way.  It just seems that the older generations were just as eager for instant gratification as those younger than me.  Or I have always been an old woman in a young woman body.

*Image: Jeff Kubina via photopin cc