Limited Time Free Webinar: Malissa Ruffner presents "Research in Federal Records: Some Assembly Required"

A few years ago I discovered Prologue Magazine, which showcases how records at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) can be used.  You can peruse selected article titles to get an idea of what kinds of topics can be addressed with these records.  I highly recommend periodically checking out what they are covering as it can be very inspirational for new research directions in your genealogy.  I've only been to the nearby NARA branch once (back when it was in Laguna Niguel, it is now in Riverside, California) and have not yet begun to tap into this enormous resource.

Earlier today Malissa Ruffner presented "Research in Federal Records: Some Assembly Required":

Federal records offer genealogical gold with both direct references to our ancestors and rich contextual background information. But it can be daunting to explore record groups that are not readily available online. The wide array of tools includes paper finding aids, preliminary inventories, online indexes, web guides, and published articles, as well as the National Archives Catalog. Malissa will offer a framework and several case studies that highlight the integration of multiple research tools.

Runs 1 hour 28 minutes.  Free to non-subscribers through November 28, 2017
Part of the BCG (Board for Certification of Genealogists) Webinar Series at Legacy Family Tree Webinars.


© 2017 Copyright, Christine Manczuk, All Rights Reserved.

Fantastic Find: Quarterly Compilation of Periodical Literature Reflecting the Use of Records in the National Archives and Records Administration

The citation to Hatton's article, plus the record group number (RG029) indicating the type of NARA record used in the article.  Record Group 29 is Bureau of the Census which is in the Genealogical cluster (the one genealogists are most familiar with).  A complete rundown of the names and number of these groups can be found here. 

I just found out about the "Quarterly Compilation of Periodical Literature Reflecting the Use of Records in the National Archives and Records Administration." Yes, it is quite a mouthful.

I've been wondering for a while if there was this kind of resource readily available--one that mentions historical and genealogical periodical literature that has used NARA materials as a source.  I stumbled on it when looking for online references to Stephen B. Hatton's great article "Which way did the census taker walk or ride his horse?" in the July/September (Vol 41, No. 3) NGS Magazine.

NARA has its own publication, Prologue Magazine, which showcases what kinds of records are available at NARA and how to use them:

Prologue magazine brings readers stories based on the rich holdings and programs of the National Archives across the nation—from Washington, DC, to the regional archives and the Presidential libraries. Access our articles online, in print, or download high-quality issues for your e-reader or smart phone at Zinio .
Prologue has been published quarterly by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for nearly 50 years.

I like that they are keeping track of other publications using NARA materials with the quarterly compilation of other sources beside Prologue, and it's good to know where to find it.  I have only begun wading into their holdings, census records being the ones I've used the most, so this should be helpful to have an idea of what is possible to research going forward.





© 2017 Copyright, Christine Manczuk, All Rights Reserved.

Fantastic Find, Saturday Night Limited Time FREE Webinar Edition: Judy Russell presents "Martha Benshura – Enemy Alien"

Judy Russell demonstrates why knowing the law can lead to some really amazing genealogical finds at the National Archives and various state agencies.

Hat tip Geneabloggers

Note: The video is only free through May 27th (next Wednesday)



© 2015 Copyright, Christine Manczuk, All Rights Reserved.