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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

John Philip Colletta and State Archive Research

I attended a great genealogy seminar last weekend featuring John Philip Colletta, Ph.D..
He stressed the importance of investigating the various state archive websites where our ancestors lived. We need to remember to look at the online resources and the holdings that are NOT digitized.

Dr. Colletta reminded us that all the information the archives holds is NOT on the Internet. It is important to visit the archives in person, roll up your sleeves and RESEARCH!

If you ever have a chance to hear or see John Colletta do not pass it up. He is a very informative and entertaining speaker.

Following Dr. Colletta's lead this week's tips focus on state archives.

Sunday October 2
* Illinois- Since it is my home state and I have done the majority of my research there my first state archive to highlight is the Illinois State Archives
* Check out both the Online Databases and the holdings of the Illinois Regional Archive Depositories

Monday October 3
* Wisconsin - The Wisconsin Historical Society is the holder of the state archives.
* Check out their Genealogy link for a list of their online databases, historical images and more.
* Check out the historical paper dolls!

Tuesday October 4
* North Carolina - The North Carolina Archives not only covers North Carolina but has a separate link for the history of the Outer Banks .
* Be sure to check out the North Carolina Records Online to search documents and photographs.

Wednesday October 5
* Florida - My adopted home keeps its archives at the Florida Dept of State at the Division of Library and Information Services
* The Florida Memory Project is one of the helpful links that will help you understand the history of and then browse items such as the Spanish Land Grants.

Thursday October 6
* Idaho - The Idaho State Historical Society website is the gateway to everything Idaho.
* Visit the Archives Collection page for a complete list of their holdings.
* Their Online Collection contains a Reconstructed 1890 census, Naturalization Records and much more.

Friday October 7
* Nevada - The Nevada State Archives is a Division of Department of Administration
* My favorite link on a state site is Nevada's Historical Myth a Month
- Myth #55-The Verdi Train Robbery Didn't Happen in Verdi
* Be sure to check out What's NOT in the Archives

Saturday October 8
* Maine - The Maine State Archives is part of the Secretary of State Website.
* Download the list describing most of the available databases
* Visit the online store for posters, notecards, dvd's etc. all with a Maine twist.

To find the archives for the state you are researching do a search on Google or your favorite search engine. You will be pleasantly surprised at what you will find.

One more tip - visit the Digital State Archives - History at Your Fingertips - you will not be disappointed!

Take Care,
Pattie

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