Abundant Genealogy – wk 4

Prompt:  Free Offline Genealogy Tools:  For which free offline genealogy tools are you most grateful?  How did you find this tool and how has it benefitted your genealogy?  Describe to others how to access this tool and spread the genealogy love.

My favorite offline tool for genealogy would have to be local libraries.  Not just your county’s public library, but local college, historical society, and possibly state resources depending upon where you live. 

I have been visiting our local public library branch recently and checked out just their genealogy section (929 in the Dewey Decimal system).  They not only had older community histories, I came across a wonderful book from the North Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution published in the 1920′s.  I got 2 leads on a known ancestor and a possible brother I knew nothing about.  They also described some of the battles each Company fought in.  My local society is taking a bus trip to the National Archives in March, and now, I plan on taking my first trip there.  If the DAR has those records, it stands to reason the Archives will also.  Our local library also has reciprocal agreements with public libraries from adjoining counties, so this greatly increases the free resources that I have access too.

I live in Henrico County, VA, the suburbs of Richmond.  We have a few local universities I could take advantage of like Virginia Commonwealth, the University of Richmond, and our local community college J.Sargaent Reynolds.  They have great records on newspaper and other print media.

We also have, since this is Virginia’s capital city, the state Historical Society and the Library of Virginia.  The Historical Society of Virginia has a great library with wi-fi.  Their focus is more on documenting personal and historical stories of the people of Virginia.  The Library of Virginia provides genealogical resources along with the personal and historical stories. They focus on saving the records bureaucrats create.  Now, it is like I died and went to genealogical heaven when I go to the LofVA.  They have a great deal of information just waiting for you to discover. I have a 10th great-grandfather Elkins whose handwritten will is in the archives.  And I have touched it and read it.  For your first visit do not be afraid to ask questions and remember to get your parking ticket validated.  The librarians are very helpful and seem to throroughly enjoy their work.

Check out the libraries in your area, and do not overlook the ones you would not normally visit.  Enjoy the search, do not be afraid to ask questions, and take notes.  But most of all, have fun!