Kathrine Aydelott Open Access Week Dimond Library October 26, 2017 Open Genealogy Kathrine Aydelott Open Access Week Dimond Library October 26, 2017
Why Open Genealogy? One of the most popular hobbies Research project Can cost money (like golf) Open is a great way to get started Critical thinking required
FamilySearch.org World’s largest genealogy organization Free access to vital records, census images, and trees (sign up for more access) Catalog provides access too More digitization underway Use judiciously
FindAGrave.com Last resting places, sometimes with photos, obituaries, and connected family New interface coming soon Evaluate info carefully
WorldConnect Hosted by RootsWeb Almost 500k family-tree databases “Wisdom of the crowd” Make the crowd smarter Verify before trusting fully
Google Book Search Excellent source for out-of-copyright texts OR: view snippets and request through Interlibrary Loan Many local histories and genealogies Secondary sources aren’t proof
Other Open/Free Sites Google News Archive Digital Public Library of America American Memory (LoC) Chronicling America (LoC) Cyndislist.com There are tons!
Library Resources Local history and genealogy resources in print Subscription databases Ancestry.com – library edition AmericanAncestors.org – New England Historic Genealogical Association
Questions? And thanks!