Family Searching

by Gretchen Beilfuss Witt Rowan Public Library

                The History Room at the Rowan Public Library is well-known for having good resources for researching your family genealogy.  Regretfully, none of the materials in the History Room can be taken home and poured over in the wee hours of the night.   There are however, some books located in non-fiction that can be checked out.   “Genealogy for Dummies” by Matthew and April Helms provides a solid beginning for genealogical research including an overview of online resources, free and subscription.   It introduces the reader to specific surname family websites as well as different language/cultural genealogical websites including Asian, African and Caribbean.  The chapter many might find useful, examines what is available for genealogical DNA testing and what test and company might best fulfill your genealogical goals.   Other books along this same vein might specialize in specific groups like “A Genealogist’s guide to Discovering Your African-American Ancestors” or may have a particular slant like “Bringing Your Family History to Life through Social History by Katherine Scott Sturdevant.       

Along side genealogical research often letters, photos, family memorabilia and important documents are handed down.  It is useful to know how best to house and preserve such items so they are around for the generations to follow.  The library has an excellent book, “How to Archive Family Keepsakes” to guide a person through the process of gleaning the treasures from the chaff.  After a grandparent or old auntie dies, folks are often reluctant to go through boxes and papers not knowing quite what to do with them.  This book enables a person to discern what should be kept and what to toss, how to organize, store and preserve.

For the finishing touch, check out Joy Neighbors book “The Family Tree Cemetery Field Guide.”  It begins with a fascinating chapter on the history and cultural importance of cemeteries.   The Neanderthal are believed to have buried their dead as much as fifty thousand years ago in the caves at La Chapelle-aux-Saints and  the first tomb for an individual dates to 12000 BCE and is located in Israel.  Did you know that the Victorian Era saw the first park-like or garden cemeteries created  so people could escape the dingy cities to enjoy a walk in the fresh air while admiring sculptures and interesting architecture? Neighbors goes on to explain how tombstones can assist in genealogical searches not only by revealing dates but also indicating something of the life of the person.   The carving on a tombstone might indicate the religion, occupation or military record of the deceased.    She also gives hints on how to read worn headstones or to find and record important information about a deceased relative.  Neighbors suggests volunteering to contribute to the ever increasing databases like Billions of Graves and Find-a-Grave which record gravesites via photograph and provide information for researchers.  

With these and other books, no matter where you are in family search the library has the resources to unearth your family story.