Do A Little Research Before Fact-Finding Trips

Most genealogists are adventurous, enjoying the hunt as much as the find. But even the most intrepid travelers get anxious before a field trip. Using a pre-trip checklist removes some of the anxiety. You'll be more confident as you approach the target of your visit.

Much of your checklist can be handled over the Internet since most records repositories today have Web sites. If you don't find answers on the Web site, call the facility.

Here are some of the things to determine ahead of time:

•Where can you park? Be sure to ask if there is a fee.

•What are the hours of the facility? Ask if it is closed on certain days, especially holidays.

•Are there copying facilities on site? If copies are 10 cents each, take plenty of dimes. Some places require that you purchase a card to which you can add amounts as necessary. You'll likely need folding money rather than change there.

•Are lockers available? Some facilities will not allow briefcases, purses or coats into a research room. If they don't provide lockers, you'll want to limit what you drag into the building.

•Are computers, scanners and digital cameras allowed in the research rooms? Some places still only allow pencils and paper. Many do not allow closed containers such as briefcases and book bags.

•Are all records on site or are some in other locations? Many courthouses have placed their older records in off-site buildings and require appointments to view them.

•Does the facility have a cafeteria, vending room or nearby restaurants? If it has a snack room, it will be quicker to bring your lunch rather than waste time in a restaurant.

If the facility you're visiting is a library or archives, expect staff members to assist you. They probably won't mind an endless barrage of questions. If you're going to a courthouse, remember the staff probably is busy serving the citizens of the county and attending to daily business. A demanding genealogist is the last thing anyone wants to hear.

When you walk into a government business office, you'll get the best results by acting in a businesslike manner. While the staff may be genealogy-friendly, likely no one will care how far you've come or what your ancestors did when they lived in the area. Keep your questions to the point. For example, "Can you direct me to the deeds for 1800 to 1840?" or, "I am seeking marriage licenses for the 1860s."

Manners are important when visiting any facility. Staff members will appreciate your words of "please" and "thank you" and will be more likely to assist when you've set the standard for kindness.

Veterans of courthouse research trips should not assume they know everything. Each courthouse can have its own way of doing things. The folks in one courthouse really don't care how someone else does it. Attempting even to discuss this may seem argumentative and could get doors closed on your research. Remember that you aren't there to tell people how to do their jobs.

Don't limit your research trip to the library and courthouse. Call ahead and speak to someone in the genealogy collection at the library. The librarian may know of local repositories to include on your trip. Check with the local visitors' center to see what museums contain historical collections or exhibits.

If the area has a genealogy society, time your visit with one of its meetings. These groups welcome visitors and will be eager to assist you in making your trip a research success.

Study the history of the area before you go. You can do this online or by borrowing books through interlibrary loans. You will get an idea about the kinds of records at the courthouse. You also will begin to think about what roles your ancestor might have played in the events of the area.

Being spontaneous and flying by the seat of your pants may seem like a great genealogy adventure, but likely it will be a waste of time and effort. Planning is the key to successful research trips.

Road Trip?

If you're interested in a short road trip to Port Charlotte, join me for "A Seminar in Genealogical Sleuthing" on Nov. 17. I will present four lectures sponsored by the Charlotte County Genealogical Society at St. James Episcopal Church, 1365 Viscaya Drive.

Lecture topics include "As the Streams Meander: Understanding Metes and Bounds Land Records," "Home on the Range and in the Townships," "Airing the Family Laundry: Secrets Revealed in Court Records" and "If Living Were a Crime: Evidence Our Ancestors Left at the Scene."

Registration is $30 for nonsociety attendees, and the fee includes lunch if you register by Nov. 14. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m., and the lectures start at 9 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. If you have questions about registration, contact Jan Masteryanni at (941) 625-3032 or Barbara Fleshman at (625) 575-1957 or bfleshman@comcast.net.

Pasco County Program

Thinking of starting a family newsletter? Pam Treme and Patty Schultz, both of Pasco County, will present a how-to program at that county's genealogical society meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday. The group will meet at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9016 Fort King Road, Dade City. For details, go to www.rootsweb.com/~flpcgs.

Writing Your Family History

Treme and Schultz also will lecture this month at the South Bay Genealogical Society meeting. Their topic is "Writing Your Family History Using a Template." The meeting will be Nov. 20 at the SouthShore Regional Library.

Cost of the lecture, including a lunch at noon, is $12. The lecture will begin at 1 p.m. Reservations must be received by Nov. 14; checks should be made out to the society and sent to SBGS, P.O. Box 5202, Sun City Center FL 33571.

Questions may be directed to Sally Wepfer, (813) 634-7539.

UDC Meeting

The next meeting of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Chapter 113, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. Annie-Kate Carpenter will present a program titled "Morgan's Men," with details about Confederate Gen. John Hunt Morgan, noted for his daring raids during Civil War. Contact June Bolen, (813) 685-4026, for reservations.