There's always those family members who prove so elusive, and hard to find, so why not see if anyone else is searching for the same person or family?
While the internet has helped many fill in many gaps, making it much easier to track down missing information, it still has some way to go before being a truly comprehensive source. In the meantime, the 'Genealogical Research Directory' (GRD) provides an invaluable list of contacts to fellow family historians, some of whom may be researching the same lines as you. What's more, because the GRD is used worldwide, it can help you track down ancestors who left these shores for a new life overseas - in particular England, Canada, the USA and Australia are all well covered.
Originally published in 1981 and published yearly since then, the GRD is now is in its 26th year. Each issue contains newly submitted entries, either from previous entrants or first-time users of the Directory, so you're guaranteed new information with each new edition.
The GRD works by inviting people to submit information (name and contact details), also details such as names (surname as a minimum) that they're researching, complete with an area and time period. People also contribute to specific subjects such as burial index records, or rolls of honour etc. Also included are a list (with contact details) of 'One-Name' Societies for those researching a specific family name. This is then followed by a large listing of Archives Offices and Societies from most countries worldwide - a very valuable resource in itself, but put it together with all the rest, and this really is a MUST for all genealogists.
This new edition includes two new sections, the first being a 'For Sale' section, which has products that are offered for sale by submitters, the second being the 'My-Our Projects'. This is a section that is dedicated to people's research topics (not including one-name studies, or personal family histories). These are more along the lines of a person compiling the history and occupants of a village, or the history of a shipyard, lives of passengers on a particular ship, or patients in a particular hospital. While these two new sections aren't huge - they just add to the incredible value and usefulness of this book.
The directory has become one of the most important and useful genealogical tools ever published. Previous years are also still available, and also on CD-ROM.
Contents:
Acknowledgements
Introduction - How to Use the GRD
Maps
Feature Article: SAG - Primary Records Collection
Calendar of Genealogical Events
Publication of the GRD
Abbreviations (Chapman Codes)
Explanation
Directory of Surnames
Subject Entries
One Name Studies
For Sale
My-Our Projects
Contributors: Address, Telephone, Fax and Email Numbers
List of Genealogical Societies
Archives, Major Libraries and Record Offices
Professional Services Index
Related Products:
Genealogical Research Directory 2006 CD
