Last Updated on October 2, 2010 by Dave Farquhar
One more tip for those of you looking to get started in genealogy: Don’t forget the library. You know, that place with tons of books in it that you don’t want to set foot in since you discovered the Internet. The Internet’s less reliable and the information on it definitely leans towards some subjects more than others, but Google’s always open and it’s faster to turn on the computer than it is to hop in the car and drive.
The St. Louis County Library, for example, offers access to U.S. Census data and historical biographies through HeritageQuest.com and access to numerous newspaper archives. It’s arguably as good as the $80/yearly packages offered by a lot of online services, and I’m already paying for it. Some of the newspaper archives are only available inside the library from its own computers, but there’s plenty of data available from home using your library card.
It’s worth a look to see what your local library offers.
I’m going to try to post again later today, and maybe tomorrow before I hit the road and head west.
David Farquhar is a computer security professional, entrepreneur, and author. He started his career as a part-time computer technician in 1994, worked his way up to system administrator by 1997, and has specialized in vulnerability management since 2013. He invests in real estate on the side and his hobbies include O gauge trains, baseball cards, and retro computers and video games. A University of Missouri graduate, he holds CISSP and Security+ certifications. He lives in St. Louis with his family.
Godspeed.
Drive safely, Dave.
comment,
Interesting commentary. I’m glad you were successful in finding the names of your grandmother’s parents. Now all you have to do is follow your own advice.
Dave Gubanc
Once you’ve located your ancestors’ birthplace and hometown, another resource is their church. Church records provide information regarding parents and children, addresses, baptisms, funerals, and cemetery data.
My brother-in-law got into geneology tracing in the last year or so and is expecting to give all family members this Christmas a cd with maps, pictures, and trivia. This is a good way to include your pictures which you mention in your next posting.
Long live Lord Farquhar! :-}