Research Trips: Cemeteries, Libraries, and Archives

Using the internet is a great way to start your research, but eventually, you will have to plan a research trip to get more information. You may be able to get some non-internet information through phone calls, letters, and emails. Eventually, you will need to do a genealogy-related trip for in-person research because you have too many questions, and the research may be too complicated to do it remotely. Additionally, wherever you go, you need to prepare very carefully to have a successful trip.

I suggest your first trip should be near where you live. Also, your first trip should have a small, simple to-do list. The location could be a cemetery, a local genealogy archive, or just visiting the neighborhood where your ancestors lived. Your research could be to record tombstone inscriptions, search for copies of obituaries, or take pictures of the homes and neighborhoods. These straightforward trips will help you develop your organizational skills for longer and more complicated trips. Furthermore, learn to photograph grave markers and take tombstone rubbings at a nearby cemetery. The time to learn is not at a cemetery many miles from home on the last day of your journey, with a storm approaching.

Where to go:
Cemeteries
Gather your information by recording inscriptions on grave markers, looking at nearby graves for other relatives or family and friends, and taking pictures.

Local Libraries and Historical Museums
Some local libraries and historical museums go beyond having genealogy books on their shelves. Look for older copies of the local newspapers, school yearbooks, ring binders holding stories of local history (people, buildings, and events), and a collection of historical photos of buildings and people that relate to your family history.

Genealogy Societies
Many local genealogy societies have worked hard to build collections of documents and information that pertain to their location. Their files are excellent sources for hard-to-find birth, marriage, and death records, family bibles, family histories, county histories, cemetery records, obituaries, and many more. Most societies have websites that list their collections and contact information. You may be able to answer some of your questions by email or phone, but if your list is long, you should plan to visit their archive for help.

County Offices
The county recorder is the place to find real estate and transactions for your ancestors. You must do this research in person or hire someone to do it. The county recorder or health department holds copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates, but you can usually order copies of these documents by mail, phone, or their website.

Other resources
The following are other resources that hold documents that you may need but are not online. Check their websites to see if they accept phone or email requests. However, if your list is long, you must do the research in person.
• Historical Battlefields
• Regional Libraries
• State Archives
• Regional National Archives

Avoid frustration and increase your research time by carefully planning your research trips:

1. Determine what records are available at the location of your trip. Email or call to make sure they have what you need. Make sure you visit the correct location, i.e., county borders may have changed, and your records may be at another courthouse. If your trip is a long distance from your home, double-check for alternate sources close to home.
2. Know What You Want. It is imperative to have a research plan so that you stay focused. Make a list of the issues you need to research at the location. Your lists should include:
   • specific facts you want to prove or disprove
   • records you need to find for particular people
   • what documents do you want to browse to see if they mention your ancestors
   • make a list of questions you need to ask at the location
3. Make sure the location is open the day you plan to be there. Make another phone call one to two weeks before your visit to make sure their schedule has not changed. Also, ask if there are any special instructions for finding the facility and convenient parking. Also, ask if they have a cafeteria, lunchroom, or nearby restaurants. For cemetery visits, obtain a map of the cemetery and the location of your ancestor’s gravesite before your visit, or make sure the office is open the day of your visit.
4. Learn the Procedures of the Location. You should learn the rules and restrictions on research at the library or archive, such as the use of cameras, laptops, and portable scanners. Are pens allowed, or are only pencils used? Is a wireless connection available? Is the access to the records closed stack or open stack? Are copy machines in open areas, or are staff only allowed to copy documents? Make sure the documents are at the library and not in off-site storage.
5. Get your Files and Tools Organized for the Trip. Taking the right stuff on your trip is essential. As part of your planning, it will be helpful to make lots of lists;
   • Notes you have for the people targeted on the trip
   • List of questions and issues for your targeted people
   • Maps, directions, and contact information
   • Always remember to take a magnifying glass to help in reading old records.
   • Copies of family trees or access to your family trees
   • Take copies of documents with you and leave your original documents behind. No one will probably steal them, but forgetting them somewhere is a definite possibility.

Other things to pack for a research trip
• Laptop computer or tablet – If you have one, take it on your trip, even if it is not allowed in the research facility. It is a great communication tool, and Wifi connections are available at most hotels and coffee shops.
• Thumb drives or flask drives to download copies of documents using the computers at the facility.
• Cell Phone – Never leave for a trip without your cell phone. This is essential for communicating on your trip and also using the map app on your phone.
• Camera – Even if cameras are not allowed in the research facility, use your camera to record your trip. You can also use your smartphone.
• Suitable clothing – Look at the weather forecast and be prepared for the worst.
• Umbrella – Again, always be prepared for changes in the weather.
• Snacks – You will need extra energy.
• If visiting cemeteries, take tools to clean around the edges of the grave markers.

Research trips should be fun. Preparing for it helps make your success possible.