Ancestors: Tips and Tricks

May 2008 << Tips and Tricks

Ancestors is proud to present the best genealogical tips and tricks from genealogists around the globe. Every month, the Ancestors team selects a featured tip for you to use in your own genealogical work.

Do you have a tip or trick to submit? Just visit our tip submission page to find out how to send your favorite tips!

Here is this month's featured tip:

Never pass up an opportunity to visit the local historical society/research center in the community(s) of your genealogical search. You may think the local library or courthouse has everything you need - vital records, census microfilms, etc. but I have had wonderful surprises visiting these centers. One had in their collection all the marriage application documents which the local courthouse was going to throw away, a donation from two local photography studios - all their "proofs" while they were in business, and company newsletters from the area's largest employer. Another had a collection of the state's annual agricultural publications over the years which gave extensive info on that year's crops & prices, weather, even land descriptions from the 1860's-great supplemental info to add to your family files.

Jean Schwonek
Milwaukee, WI