Many people think genealogy is nothing more than staring at microfilm or microfiche, pouring over old dusty books in courthouses, or searching the internet to find lost family members. The truth is, genealogical research can be more than that. In fact, you can learn how to plan a genealogy research vacation which can make your family’s history come alive.
Look through your genealogy records. Check to see if there are particular locations common to your ancestors. Then choose that location and plan your vacation around it. Be sure to take paper, pen, and camera with you when you go so you can document your findings.
Try to locate long-lost cousins or other family members at the place you go. You may find someone who can add to the information you already know. They may even be able to provide you with information, names, or dates you didn’t know. And what’s better than filling in your pedigree chart and finding family you didn’t know before?
You may also want to visit the courthouse, library, or historical societies in the area. There you may be able to find a wealth of information which can lead you further down your family’s history. Or, you may be able to get copies of certificates (birth, marriage, death) for family members, which will verify what you know.
Plan a trip to local cemeteries while you’re there. Look for the headstones to the graves of family members and take photographs of each one. Gravestones usually provide birth and death dates. Another thing to consider when visiting cemeteries is that in the past families were often buried together. This may mean you can find people who are related to your ancestors that you never knew about.
Take careful notes or use an audio or video recorder or camera to help you remember things. If you’re looking through books or films, be sure to write down the call number of the microfilm, page number of any book you use, and the library you got the information from. Make photocopies of anything you can to take the information home with you.
Be prepared by knowing who it is you’re looking for, bringing the information you already have with you, and know when any buildings (courthouse, library, historical society, etc.) will be open while you’re there. Do as much research as you can before you leave so you know where you want to go, when you have to be there, and know exactly what you’re looking for when you arrive.
If you have children, don’t forget to do something fun while you’re on the hunt for long-lost family members. They may be bored, so bring something they can do to keep them occupied or see if you can get them to help you look. One goal is to learn what you can about your family but not to alienate your family that is with you in the process. Besides, after spending so much time looking for dead members of your family, you’ll be glad to spend time with the ones that are still living.
Remember to plan ahead as much as possible. This would include hotel stays if you don’t have living family at a location. When you learn how to plan a genealogy research vacation and take time for fun along the way, you may find your children also become interested enough in their family history to help you in your search.
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