Research Trip Tips

Summer Is Here! It's Time For A Research Trip!! 

Now that many places are opening up it's time to plan your research trip to search for those records that are not available online….I will repeat that…NOT available online. So get your tank filled and your bags packed! But First…..


Be Prepared!

Begin by deciding on which family lines to work on. This will also depend on how much time you have for your trip. You don’t want to over extend yourself and end up not completing your research. Once you have decided on the people it’s time to make a Research Plan!

Check your Family Group sheet & look for the blank spaces that need to be filled. 

List Sources which will help fill these gaps and any pertinent information that will help find the source. Such as, where to find the source, how to obtain it and data which will be necessary when searching, i.e. the titles of books, microfilm numbers, and page & record numbers. 

 To help find this information you have to do your homework. 

 Start by finding out what types of places are available in the area you are visiting. Look for....

  Courthouses 

  State Archives

  Public Libraries 

  Historical Societies/Local History Museums

  Genealogical Society Libraries

  University Libraries 

  Churches 

  Cemetery Offices

Then research each individual place.

What records are available?

What type of fees and cost for records or copies?

Who does the search…you or employee?

What are the hours?

Do you need an appointment? This is especially important now with many offices still only being partially open. 

What are the Rules? i.e. no cameras? No purses? Etc. 

It’s also a good idea to call ahead. You do not want to get there and have it be closed! Ask for any additional information you need that wasn’t available on their website. You may also want to ask them if you need an appointment, how is the parking and do they need to pull the records ahead of time?

                          Use your research planner to create an itinerary.                           

This will help with your time management.  

 

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Remember..research places to stay & area restaurants.                                      

                    

               

 

What To Pack?

✔ Documents

It is best if you can keep the information in a "Cloud" so you can access it anywhere. If you do not have the information in a Cloud and/or WIFI is not available, make copies of the records connected to the family. NEVER take the originals. Print out other documents, i.e. family group sheets, and don’t forget the Research Plan & Itinerary.

                                                              

✔ Equipment

 

Bring a laptop/Ipod and/or other mobile devices. Phone w/cameras and portable scanners are also useful.

✔ Odds & Ends

 
  Bring the following list of items to make the trip run smoother. 

 

✔ Directions

Make sure you have a phone with GPS or a GPS device. I recommend you still take a paper map, some places are outside cell phone service.

 

And Last but not Least!

✔ Bring a Traveling Companion

Because it is.... 

• Safer 

• More Fun

• Helpful...who else can find gravestones better than you? 

Now you should be ready! Have a Safe Trip & Happy Researching! 

I would love it if you would leave any tips in the comments that I have not covered. It will be helpful to me and many others! 

Also....here are the answers to the Landmark Contest:  

 

Thank you to the following societies for sending in photographs of landmarks found in their township!

Litchfield Historical Society

Lodi Harrisville Historical Society

Spring Grove Cemetery – Friends of the Cemetery

Brunswick Historical Society

Medina County Historical Society