Family history is one of the most popular pursuits around the world, including to a large degree America. But as opportunities to explore records and other resources grow, so does the need to understand the myriad ways to access and learn from those records and resources.
Like its predecessors, this edition of 'The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy' discusses the wealth of sources available to researchers and provides timely advice on how to use them. The world of family history research, however, is a far different place than when the previous edition was released. The Internet, enhanced computer technologies, and other advancements have changed the genealogical landscape in the last ten years.
The expert contributors to this volume not only explore these new online resources, they also remind the reader that the fundamentals of family history research remain unchanged.
Named the American Library Association's Best Reference for its first edition back in 1984, 'The Source' is an indispensable part of any family history library that includes research in America. Written by industry innovators, each section gets to the heart of the topic, giving readers and researchers a personal, how-to lesson in family history. No, with this third edition, 'The Source' maintains its role as the standard that all other family history and genealogy guides strive to achieve. It's the only one family history reference book on American research that you'll reach for over and over again.
Contents:
Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Contributors
The Basics
1. The Foundations of Family History Research
2. Computers and Technology
3. General References and Guide
The Records
4. Business, Institution, and Organization Records
5. Census Records
6. Church Records
7. Court Records
8. Directories
9. Immigration Records
10. Land Records
11. Military Records
12. Newspapers
13. Vital Records
People and Place
14. African American Research
15. Colonial English Research
16. Colonial Spanish Borderland Research
17. Hispanic Research
18. Jewish American Research
19. Native American Research
20. Urban Research
Appendixes
A. Abbreviations and Acronyms
B. Family Associations
C. Genealogical Societies
D. Hereditary and Lineage Organizations
E. Historical Societies
F. The LDS Family History Library
G. The National Archives and its Regions
H. State Archives
Index
Review:The third edition of The Source reflects the dynamic development of genealogical research in the past decade. The distinguished editors have provided an updated arrangement with expanded topics and additional content. The final product is even more user-friendly than earlier editions. This standard reference work should be on every researcher's must-have list. - Ruth A. Carr, Chief Librarian, New York Public Library
The Source is a true guidebook. Its detailed explanations and numerous illustrations provide researchers with the information they need in order to locate and use the wealth of records available to today's family historian. - Barbara Vines Little, CG President, National Genealogical Society
This invaluable work is essential for any genealogical course, whether for beginners or professionals, undergraduates, grad students, or retired seniors. There is no finer reference tool for genealogists! - Wendy Bebout Elliott, President, Federation of Genealogical Societies
