Ancestors

by Willard, Jim; Willard, Terry; Wilson, Jane

• ISBN13: 9780395854105
• ISBN10: 0395854105
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-03-01
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Summary

Genealogy is the second-fastest growing hobby in America, but many would-be family historians are daunted by the sheer volume of information they must sift through and techniques they need to master in order to find their own past. Jim and Terry Willard have compiled an invaluable volume that makes researching one's own family lineage both accessible and fun. Based on the 10-part PBS series by the same name, Ancestors covers all the bases including creating a pedigree chart or family tree, finding and interpreting documents, and searching for your roots online. Jim and Terry Willard explain each technique with the assistance of ten expert genealogists. The book includes additional information not discussed in the series that will make it an invaluable companion for all would-be family historians.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction	p. 1
The Pedigree Chart and Beginning Your Search	p. 5
Looking at Home	p. 15
Gathering Family Stories: Oral History and Genealogy	p. 25
The Paper Trail	p. 33
Libraries and Archives: Where to Find What You Need	p. 41
Military and Census Records	p. 53
African-American Research: Strategies for the Beginner	p. 77
Your Medical Heritage: Beginning Your Medical Pedigree	p. 89
High-Tech Help: Computers and Genealogy	p. 103
Leaving a Legacy	p. 113
Resource Directory	p. 125
Where to Write for Vital Records	p. 187
Chapter Notes and Suggested Reading	p. 203
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.