Beginning English Research Near Baltimore
(c) 1996, revised 2000
From: KJ001@aol.com
DearMYRTLE,
Any advice where I can obtain (from Baltimore) info on my ancestors who came from England - i.e., census records and also possibly an index to the chancery courts? Thank
you.DearKEVIN,
Sounds like you live in Baltimore! I have often visited your fair city, and enjoyed the renovated Inner Harbor area. In their youths, my children especially enjoyed taking the water taxi rides in the night air. The twinkling lights reflecting on the water are a delight to behold. I also love Haufbraus' sauerbraten, but I hear they have since closed their doors after decades of serving fine, traditional German
cuisine.
I have a few ideas for beginning your offline genealogical research! Here goes! |
|
For Further Reading:
Ancestral
Trails: A Complete Guide to British Genealogy & Family History by
Mark D. Herber
"No other publication gives
such comprehensive and up-to-date guidance on tracing British ancestry
and researching family history. Illustrated throughout with more than
ninety examples of the major types of records, and with detailed lists
of further reading, Ancestral Trails will be the essential companion
and guide for all family historians." Anthony Camp,
Director, Society of Genealogists. |
1. CHECK OUT THE LOCAL LDS FHCs
I went to FamilySearch.org, clicked "Custom Search" and found the following two local Family History Centers:
Baltimore Maryland
120 Stemmers Run Road
Baltimore, Maryland
Phone: 410 - 686-6709
Hours: T-Th 10am-4pm, 7-10pm; Sat 10am-4pm.
Closed: Closed the last two weeks of December 1999.
There is also a VERY large Family History Center on the grounds adjoining the the LDS Temple in Kensington, MD.
Washington DC Temple FHC
10000 Stoneybrook Drive
Kensington, Maryland,
Phone: (301) 587-0042
Hours: M 9am-5pm; T-Th 9am-5pm, 7pm-10pm; F-Sat 9am-5pm.
Remember that while they might not have the exact records you require when you walk in, the
STRENGTH of an FHC is in the ability to order microfilm/fiche from archives, churches & courts throughout the world.
2. PRINT OUT "HOW TO" RESEARCH OUTLINES
Before you go, do your homework by discovering the types of records available through the Family History Library and its local FHC branches. You'll find these and many other useful
Research Outlines online at: www.familysearch.org/sg
a. England
Research Outline - Explains British records and their availability through LDS and other archives. You will find many British records have been microfilmed, and are available more readily through your local FHC. Save your research $$$ by exhausting the resources of the FHLibrary in Salt Lake, before writing to England for additional information.
b. US
Research Outline - Explains how to begin your quest in the United States, covering records types and research strategies. This might provide insight to Baltimore passenger arrival records. Since you did not mention the time period, I cannot be more specific.
c.
Tracing
Immigrant Origins - Explains the strategies of "country of
departure" records and "country of arrival" records. Without
this, you can possibly neglect certain records here in the US that provide
essential clues for your English ancestors.
3. OBTAIN A COPY OF "THE CENTER"
The Center: A Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Capital Area by Christina K. Schaefer can be ordered online at:
www.GenealogyBookShop.com
. The book provides valuable insights on how to do research in the Washington, DC area by detailing hours of operation, and even floor plans of the useful parts of the Library of Congress, National Archives, DAR Library, etc. Your also find descriptions of the collections available and strategies for using these excellent archives.
4. REMEMBER TO START WITH YOURSELF...
...then work backwards in time. Collect everything on each ancestor here in the US before attempting the overseas work, as there will be clues to more specific towns of origins in the old country.
Interview family members, collect copies of old photos & certificates of
birth, marriage and death. Maybe a maiden aunt has a family album of newspaper
obits and birth announcements. Get them all together to clearly document
the more recent generations.
5. VISIT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Since you are so close to the main branch on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC, you should go there to view US census, passenger records, military pension and service records on microfilm and in person whenever possible.
6. VISIT THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Go specifically to the Local History and Genealogy Reading Room that has a computer system which allows you to search by surname. You'll need to type in something like GIST FAMILY. If you forget to type the word FAMILY after the name, it will also give you authors by that surname, (which may not be a bad idea, anyway.) Don't forget to check the card catalog in that reading room, also, since not all books have been included in their computerized card catalog.
There are also extensive records (of secondary, not primary nature) which may be of use to you. Be wary of
Burke's Peerage, which is known to contain errors.
I hope these six ideas will get you started hon! Good luck! Keep me posted on your progress!
Myrt :)
DearMYRTLE,
Daily Genealogy Columnist
AOL Keyword: gf, roots or myrtle
www.DearMYRTLE.com
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