FamilySearch Wiki:Contributors Meeting 26 September 2013

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Updates and follow up


Getting Past the Boundary Changes (from August 8th Meeting)

Steps contributors can take to help users in their localities find resources for extinct and redistricted areas (We will then move to Colonial Era and Antebellum resources).

We need to assist in identifying records from 1900 back to pre-colonial times. For African Americans, we need to identify records between 1865-1870 (For example in SC: 1869 State Census, agricultural census, 1868 Voter's Registration, tax records) which can help link them back to resources generated prior to 1865. Researching dissertations at the Charleston County Libary revealed the fact that several post colonial era records (including church records - baptisms) exist for South Carolina that even identify persons of color.

The challenge that we must overcome:


 * many records having genealogical value remain untouched in courthouses and exist nowhere else
 * Record types are named differently in different localities
 * after researchers tap out using onine resources they need to be able to understand the research changes going back in time. Many useful records going back in time are not readily discussed and are not accessible online.
 * We must research respository holdings or query those who have this knowledge

Resources that help users identify historical records generated for example, in US colonial period and before county formations are greatly needed (also any extinct counties, districts, townships). What steps can contributors take to make sure users can find resources in these areas?

1. Look at the localities that you have knowledge about. What are some areas this group has knowledge about or interest in?



Review the area on the Wiki for resources available. Review to make sure it is easy for users to tell where to look for resources during time periods when resources were generated for this area. Add resources that you have knowledge about.

2. Pick an area. Learn about boundary changes. Use the following resources to learn about boundaries:


 * See Newberry Library Atlas of Historical Boundaries
 * See also Colonial Times
 * Red Book
 * AniMap
 * State boundaries, The Census Book
 * The Township Atlas
 * Resources at the local archives

3. Learn where records are held during different time periods for a particular state/province/county/parish, etc. What are some examples of respositories? Do not forget to check church records. They may be the only way to determine BMD before civil records existed.

4. Identify record types and what these records contain. Look for resources through


 * genealogical societies - query experts, attend presentations, and review publications
 * local library - find out who the local history manager is and what they know, resources they have.
 * university libraries - check online and offline catalogs, and query manager of local history
 * historical societies -
 * museums - check resources, online catalogs, vertical files

Where can you go to learn about records that exist? Add information to the Wiki. Help users understand how to use these records.

5. Check online sites such as Internet Archives and Google Books for publications that can help users learn more about local histories. Some may also mention early settlers or allied family.

6.

7. Attend a local genealogical workshop conference to meet other experts and learn of resources.

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