My husband was on a month-long federal court case back in the mid-1980s. He was chosen to serve as a juror; something we all look forward to! Driving to downtown Dallas every day was a bit of a chore and he found himself rather bored during the long 2 hour lunch period until one of his fellow jurors suggested he visit the main library with him. Well, Steve isn't much of a book reader, but as it turned out this guy was going up to the 8th floor to do genealogical research; specifically the US Federal Census records! Steve took him up on the suggestion and that marked the beginning of his family research.At the time, the 1920 census wasn't yet available to the public but he did find some of his family listed in the 1900 in Arkansas. Every day that he went to the library he came home with something new to report or show me. I was already somewhat interested in family history, so I envied his lunchtime activity. (I was at home with two "wee ones.") Steve was a little disappointed when the case finally came to an end. It had been a rough trial and he was glad that part was over, but now it was time to get back to his real job and that would mean far less library time.
Looking back, my husband realized that for him spending a whole day (or night, as in the case of a genealogical society "lock-in") at the library isn't the ideal. Working within walking distance and going to the genealogy department for just an hour or two for many days seems to be the best way to research, when possible. That way your eyes don't get worn out from viewing the microforms and you can remember where you were looking the day or so before. Obviously, most of us can't work this way, but if you are ever in a situation where you'll be in close proximity to an LDS FHC or a large public library, consider your options and see what will work into your schedule. You'll easily get more familiar with the Soundex, the census forms, where they are located, how they are catalogued, and formatted. You'll know after a week or so which ones are available at your local library and which need to be ordered. You might even make friends with the librarian and the regulars who will see you every day! Finally, you'll learn your way around and you can show your spouse (or a friend) where things are located and how to use the microfilm viewers.
Some related resource sites:
- http://www.capecod.net/epl/public.libraries.html Directory of US Public Library Websites
- http://www.lib.ci.dallas.tx.us/home.htm Dallas Public Library: HomePage
- http://www.dallasgenealogy.org/ DALLAS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
