Unlocking Genealogy: The Power of On-Site Research

Today, Diana and Nicole talk about the many valuable genealogical records still waiting in courthouses, archives, and historical societies that aren't digitized. Nicole shares her personal journey into onsite research, with recent trips to the Love County, Oklahoma courthouse and Historical Society, and the Kentucky Historical Society and Department of Library and Archives. She also talks about visiting Brigham Young University Special Collections to see an ancestor's diary, and other facilities like the FamilySearch Library. Nicole highlights the value of hiring researchers for remote access and reaching out to county clerks for records. She shares both successful trips, like finding deeds and tax records in Love County, and learning experiences, such as a trip to Kentucky where she couldn't access original records as planned, but still found a valuable index.

Diana and Nicole then discuss what listeners will learn in this multi-part series on onsite genealogy research. The series guides you through every aspect, from initial planning to maximizing discoveries. It covers essential preparation, like making a phone call before a visit, and decoding complex indexing systems. Listeners will learn practical skills for working in various repositories, including packing essentials, handling photography restrictions, and structuring multi-day research trips for efficiency. The series also addresses problem-solving strategies, communication techniques, and advanced approaches such as building research networks and effective follow-up. Listeners will discover how to make the most of different facility types, from informal courthouses to formal state archives, and the hidden treasures in local historical societies. Nicole emphasizes that the series draws from real experiences, sharing both successes and valuable learning opportunities to help listeners approach onsite research with better preparation and realistic expectations. The next post in the series will focus on thorough preparation before any visit.

This summary was generated by Google Gemini.

Links

Onsite Research: Beyond Digitized Records - https://familylocket.com/onsite-research-beyond-digitized-records/

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code “FamilyLocket” at checkout. 

Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

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