Genealogy Chat

Hints for the new researcher The key to making your search more rewarding is planning. For most archives you will need 2 passport-sized photos with you for your ID (Reader Card) and something with a signature on like a cheque card or credit card or passport. Get an open clip board and an A4 notepad and a couple of pencils. Write up or print on loose paper as much as you can about the details you are seeking. Some people like to do the easy searches first, so they can get familiar with the archive holdings, others start with the hardest searches because they know their time is limited. But the key item is to organize your search on paper. Ring the search room in advance and book a fiche (or film) reader. People with reservations have first priority. In some facilities you may need to book a reading table as well, if you are going to be ordering documents from the stores. When you get to the Archives, you'll probably be told to put everything but the clipboard in a locker. That's why you need your search plan on the clipboard. But having your family binder(s) in the locker or in your car make it possible for you to confirm other findings. Mobile phones and buzzing pagers are almost as popular as people who smoke! Turn your ringers/buzzers off before entering the search room. Take plenty of change. It's a shame not to be able to make copies because you can't make change. (Note: many archives take cheques or credit cards, but not all.) Typically, few of the fiche readers are attached to printers. If you want to print anything out you have to buy tokens and use another machine. Many records are available in open, public access. If you need to look at specific documents not open to direct access, fill in a slip for them as soon as you arrive as they can take a while to be brought out for you. Don't get overwhelmed by all the material there. You may find things that 'sidetrack' your research. Make notes of these and continue to use your pre-printed plan to pursue what you came for. Make sure that each page of your notes is headed with the document reference. When you get home, things may not be in the order you expected. The staff at the archives will appreciate your 'Please, may I ...' and 'Thank you' approach to doing business. Remember that in some facilities, a large percentage of the staff are volunteers. Hope this helps all you new researchers. Sue.................. I would take a jumper with you as most of the record offices I have been in seem to get a bit cold.

Hi Sue, Thanks so much for the tips, I shall be visiting one in Sept when I got Home for a visit. I had no idea about what to take, and what to expect, so you have given me some good info. Do you know if one of the new pink driving license will work, as living in the US I don't know what I need? Mea.

Mea, I would think that would be ok, but take your passport with you just in case. Sue..................

Hi Sue Hope you are well. Also, a lot of the records offices don't have anywhere to buy or consume food and drink. So either take enough money to buy yourself a sarnie at the local shop or pub, or take a packed lunch with you to eat in your car. And don't forget your glasses if you wear them! lol Jeanette x

' Or get a good friend to go for you....' .....lol :0)

My tip is: work quietly! It is SO annoying when people go into the records office in a group - or even just a couple - and discuss their research with each other at the top of their voices the whole time. Also if you are on your own, and you have to talk to yourself, do it quietly!

My main tip would be to take your specs, but Jeanette got there before me! Had a very frustration afternoon once when I forgot mine! Maggy

I live quite close to my local Archives and go regularly. It made me laugh the first time I went, it was evening and there was only me and one other person there. All I could here was...'Mary, where are you... oh yes, there you are in 1891. What was your father named......JAMES - YES! GOT YOU!!! I know it's exciting when you find people but I kept turning round, thinking 'Is he talking to me or not??' It did put me off slightly!! Sam x