The Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast

RLP 372: Onsite Research - Beyond Digitized Records

9 snips
Aug 25, 2025
Discover the untapped treasures of genealogical records still hidden in courthouses and archives. Nicole shares her thrilling onsite research adventures, from finding ancestral diaries to encountering unexpected challenges in Kentucky. The discussion highlights essential strategies for effective research trips, including planning, problem-solving, and communication tips. Learn how to maximize your time and efforts in various repositories while uncovering unique family histories that digital records might miss. This captivating journey will inspire you to delve deeper into your genealogy!
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ADVICE

Always Call Before You Visit

  • Call repositories ahead to verify hours, closures, and research protocols before you go.
  • This simple step prevents wasted travel and aligns expectations with staff capabilities.
INSIGHT

Many Records Remain Undigitized

  • Digitized resources are powerful but can create a false sense that everything is online.
  • Many valuable records still hide in courthouse basements, archives, and historical society filing cabinets.
ANECDOTE

Love County Wins; Kentucky Teaches Patience

  • Nicole visited Love County, Oklahoma and found multiple deeds and tax records that illuminated ancestors' financial lives.
  • She contrasted that with a Kentucky archives visit where staff wouldn't retrieve originals that day, but she still used an on-site index.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app