Genealogical research can certainly be done from your home. There are many websites with information. However, do not overlook libraries. I have traveled to marvelous state, county and town libraries in the areas where my ancestors lived. Those libraries are filled with treasures for genealogists.
I live in New York State, near our Capital. Over the years that I researched my book, ‘Our Brown Roots,’ I traveled west to Ohio and south to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana. I visited archives, town halls, cemeteries and libraries. I met friendly, helpful people and learned something new at every location.
Do you think everything is digitized? No. Small rural libraries that stand in the town where your ancestor farmed may have unique reference materials that are not available online. Those libraries often contain local histories that can teach you how people lived when your ancestor was working and raising a family.
- In the Fairfax Regional Library, VA I learned that John Hollis, my 7th great grandfather, was in the French & Indian War, serving under Col. George Washington.
- In the Hudson Area Library, NY I found school yearbooks for my father and his siblings with photographs of their young faces.
- In Washington Parish Library, LA I found a binder of obituaries. They had been clipped from local newspapers, alphabetized and photocopied. Names from 3 of my family branches were included. These are not on Newspapers.com.
Those are just 3 examples of libraries and discoveries. While visiting those libraries I also went to the cemeteries and town halls. I walked around in the towns where my ancestors lived.
Now that ‘Our Brown Roots’ is in print I am beginning to write letters to those libraries. In my letters I recognize the many resources available in those libraries. I thank “all of you who provide historical and genealogical resources to your patrons.”
With my letters I am sending those libraries a copy of my book. Since those libraries stand where my family lived/lives I am hoping my book will help others to learn about our shared family.
These are some of the Libraries I have visited & am writing to
[with links to my blog posts]:
51 North 5th Street
Hudson, NY 12534
Virginia Room
10360 North Street
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Founders Hall Library
100 North Tryon Street
Suite 290
Charlotte, NC 28202
138 East Black Street
Rock Hill, SC 29730
1645 Russell Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
313 South White Street
Lancaster, SC 29720
Pike – Amite – Walthall Library System
1022 Virginia Avenue
McComb, MS 39648
825 Free Street
Franklinton, LA 70438
The York County Library in SC sent me this nice note when they received my book:
You can contact Troy Book Makers for a copy.
Congrats on sharing your family's history with so many local libraries that helped you and will help others know more about the Brown family in the future.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marian. I cannot say enough about the services Libraries offer!
DeleteYou are so right. Local libraries are an awesome asset. I have throughly enjoyed reading your book.
ReplyDeleteLibraries are filled with treasures.
DeleteI love this, especially since I just visited a library in a locality where my husband used to live over the weekend. We wandered the stacks for about an hour. I didn't find anything earth-shattering but found a gazetteer for Indian Territory and a cemetery publication with some good historical info. A visit to a library is never wasted.
ReplyDeleteNancy, those little discoveries can add flavor and detail to a family story.
DeleteThis is so wonderful. Congratulations on completing your book and donating to the libraries that helped you. I love visiting libraries and historical societies where my ancestors lived. I'm in Kentucky right now doing the same.
ReplyDeleteLisa, good luck with your Kentucky research.
DeleteYes, libraries are wonderful for genealogical research and a must. :) Only about 10% of what we need for our research is online, which many seem to forget or not know. They aslso have wonderful volunteers to help you out and even vertical (loose) files of family information. That is wonderful that you have shared your book with these libraries! :)
ReplyDeleteDiane, those vertical files can be filled with treats. Thanks for commenting here.
DeleteI have volunteered at and worked in libraries for many years, and I know how much I love helping people find what they are looking for and more. How generous of you to donate a book to each of the libraries that helped provide information for you.
ReplyDeleteI love libraries. I need to find time to visit more though! There's so much to be gained by going in person!
ReplyDelete