Traveling for genealogy is like going on an adventure with the ultimate prize being a deeper connection to your family’s roots. Visiting archives, historical sites, and even the towns where your ancestors lived can provide you with invaluable insights that online research just can’t offer. But before you hit the road or board that plane, it’s essential to plan your genealogy research trip carefully to make the most of your time and effort.
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Step 1: Define Your Research Goals
Before packing your bags, the first step in planning any genealogy trip is to define your research goals. What specific information are you hoping to find? Which ancestors are you focusing on? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you prioritize your visits and make the most of your time on-site.
Make a List of Key Questions
Start by listing the specific questions you’re hoping to answer on your trip. For example, are you looking for a particular birth record, land deed, or marriage license? Or maybe you want to find the grave of a distant relative. Having clear research goals will help you stay focused during your trip and avoid getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available.
- Example questions: “When did my great-grandparents get married?” or “Where did my ancestor purchase land in 1850?”
- Focus on a few ancestors or families to make the research more manageable.
Once you have your goals in mind, the next step is determining where you need to go to find the answers.
Step 2: Choose Your Destination
Genealogy research trips can range from a day at a local library to a week-long trip across the country (or even abroad) to visit ancestral homelands. Where you go will depend on your research goals and where the records are located. There are several types of places you might want to include on your itinerary:
Archives and Libraries
Historical societies, state archives, and national libraries often house valuable records that are not available online. These records might include old newspapers, probate files, immigration documents, or town records. Many of these institutions have experienced staff who can help point you in the right direction.
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation, especially for small local archives, as their hours can vary. You’ll also want to ask whether they allow you to make copies of records and what the process is for requesting documents.
Local Courthouses
Many vital records, such as birth, marriage, and land ownership documents, are kept at the local courthouse in the county where your ancestors lived. Visiting a courthouse is an excellent way to access primary sources directly, but keep in mind that older records may be stored off-site or require special permission to view.
Cemeteries and Churches
If you know where your ancestors were buried, visiting the cemetery can be both meaningful and informative. Inscriptions on headstones often provide key details about birth and death dates, family relationships, and more. Many churches also keep baptism, marriage, and burial records, especially in smaller communities where these records were kept before the establishment of civil registration.
Step 3: Gather Background Information
Once you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to gather as much information as you can before your trip. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to find the records you need. Start by researching the archives, libraries, or courthouses you plan to visit, as well as the history of the area where your ancestors lived.
Check Online Resources First
Before heading out, see what you can find online. Many institutions now have digital catalogs or databases where you can search for records in advance. You may even be able to download copies of certain documents, saving you time during your trip.
- Look for online indexes, catalogs, or finding aids specific to the archives you’re visiting.
- Download or print any forms you may need to fill out in advance for requesting records.
Research the Area’s History
Understanding the historical context of your destination can provide clues about where records might be located. For example, was there a courthouse fire that destroyed early records? Did a migration wave affect your ancestors’ hometown? Knowing these details can help guide your search and avoid dead ends.
Step 4: Make a Detailed Research Plan
Now that you have a sense of where you’re going and what you’re looking for, it’s time to create a detailed research plan. This step will help keep you organized and ensure you don’t miss any opportunities during your trip.
Prioritize Your Records
Start by prioritizing the records that are most critical to your research goals. If you only have a limited time to spend in an archive or courthouse, you’ll want to focus on the documents that will answer your key questions. Make a list of the specific records you want to find, noting down the location and reference numbers if available.
Plan for Extra Time
Genealogical research often takes longer than expected, especially when you’re working with older or more obscure records. Be sure to build some extra time into your schedule for reading through documents, waiting for requested files, or following up on unexpected leads. Flexibility is key—you never know what new discoveries might come your way!
Step 5: Pack the Essentials
Heading out for a research trip means being prepared not only mentally but physically. Make sure you pack everything you’ll need to make the most of your time at each location.
What to Bring
- Notebook or laptop: You’ll need a place to record your findings and any notes from conversations with archivists or librarians.
- Camera or smartphone: Many institutions allow you to take photos of records, so bring a camera or smartphone to capture images of documents.
- Research plan: Keep your list of records and references handy, so you can easily request them when you arrive.
- Portable charger: If you’re relying on a smartphone or tablet, a backup battery or portable charger is essential for long days of research.
- ID and necessary documents: Some archives and courthouses may require identification or proof of research purpose to grant access to certain records.
Additional Tips
Consider bringing a magnifying glass if you’ll be reading faded or small handwriting in old documents. It’s also a good idea to have some cash on hand, as smaller institutions may charge for photocopies or document requests and may not accept credit cards.
Step 6: Follow Up on Your Findings
After your research trip, the work doesn’t stop. The final step is to review, organize, and analyze everything you’ve gathered. Take the time to go through your notes, scan or file your copies of documents, and follow up on any new leads that emerged during your trip.
Organize Your Findings
As soon as you get home, it’s a good idea to organize your findings before they get mixed in with other materials. Label your digital photos of records, add newly discovered ancestors to your family tree, and record where you found each document for future reference. If you stumbled upon any unexpected information, now’s the time to research further and build on those discoveries.
Don’t keep your findings to yourself! Share the details of your trip with family members who might be interested in learning more about their heritage. Sharing your discoveries can also help you gain new insights from others who might remember additional stories or details about the people you researched.
