Genealogy Chat

Take loose change with you as some record offices have self service printers which need change. If you can't find what you are looking for in Parish Records, don't forget to look at non-conformist records. I wasted a whole session looking for baptisms which I later found in the non-conformist records. Kath. x

I take a magnifying glass with me - often useful for the very bad print

As many places are air conditioned, it might feel quite chilly if you go in summer clothes. A long sleeved top can be useful. If you are able to go at an unpopular time there are less queues for collecting fiche etc. Winchester for example is open until 7pm but is much less crowded after 5pm.

Take heaps of paper to write on, as you may find a lot more information than you had bargained for!! Also, get there as soon as the place opens. It is surprising how quickly the time passes and you want to be able to make the best possible use of your visit. Oh, and don't forget your specs if you wear them. Microfilms and fiches can be very difficult and tiring to read!!!

Always look on the records office/archive etc website before you go. Some places are not open all the time, or may be closed for refurbishment. They may not have the information you want, or cover the area/period you are after. Take a bottle of water and some food for breaks. Most places either have no catering facilities, or just drinks/choc bar machines. London met Archives does provide free water though, from a vending machine. nell

Always prepare well before you go. Make lists of whom you are seeking, but try not to look for too many. It is as well to telephone the records office to ascertain their resources. Records offices require ID, and you have to use pencil there. At the Family Records Centre in London, biro is allowed. I shall think of more later.

The end of the title seems to have disappeared - but it was something like LDS Centres and Family Records Centre .... please add