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

Idaho, Independence Day and Verify Your Sources

This week's tips range from tracing your ancestry back to a signer of the Declaration of Independence to getting family involved in your genealogy research. AND, always verify your sources!


Sunday July 3
* Idaho became a state on this date in 1890
* The Idaho State Historical Society Library has created a substitute for the 1890 census. Visit: http://history.idaho.gov/

Monday July 4
* Independence Day
* If you trace your ancestry to one of the founding fathers then the “Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence” will be of interest. Visit: http://www.dsdi1776.com/3.html

Tuesday July 5
* “It is a poor mind that can think of only one way to spell a word.” Attributed to Andrew Jackson

Wednesday July 6
*Facebook and Genealogy: Share updates to your family research through Facebook, this will encourage other family members to join in the conversation. Visit: http://www.facebook.com

Thursday July 7
* Genealogy and Photographs: Ancestorville: Where Families Meet Again Visit: http://www.ancestorville.com/

Friday July 8
* Genealogy Glossary: Direct Line Family line of people who are related to each other as a child and parent.

Saturday July 9
* Just Starting in Genealogy? Just because you find a family tree with your great grandparents name does not mean it is YOUR ancestor. Never accept other researcher’s conclusions without thorough investigation and documentation.

Have a great time researching!

Take Care,
Pattie
Everyday Genealogy