1. Kathrine Aydelott Open Access Week Dimond Library October 26, 2017
Open Genealogy
Kathrine Aydelott
Open Access Week
Dimond Library
October 26, 2017

2. 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

3. 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

4. FindAGrave.com
Last resting places, sometimes with photos, obituaries, and connected family
New interface coming soon
Evaluate info carefully

5. WorldConnect Hosted by RootsWeb Almost 500k family-tree databases
“Wisdom of the crowd”
Make the crowd smarter
Verify before trusting fully

6. 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

7. Other Open/Free Sites Google News Archive
Digital Public Library of America
American Memory (LoC)
Chronicling America (LoC)
Cyndislist.com
There are tons!

8. Library Resources Local history and genealogy resources in print
Subscription databases
Ancestry.com – library edition
AmericanAncestors.org – New England Historic Genealogical Association

9. Questions?
And thanks!