By Carolyn L. Barkley
Manuscript collections can be instrumental in helping researchers locate original documents. We often overlook them, however, depriving us of a richer understanding of our research objectives. We can remedy this omission by learning how to locate manuscript collections and how to identify the materials they contain.
For many individuals, a first research step [...]
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By Carolyn L. Barkley
When librarians meet at conferences or training programs they often trade stories about the well-intentioned, but humorous letters they receive seeking genealogical assistance. While many stories may be apocryphal, they illustrate how many researchers defeat their purpose when they send inquiries to institutions. Perhaps no one actually wrote “I’m looking for my [...]
By Carolyn L. Barkley
Finding the original U. S. port of entry arrival record for ancestors can be a difficult process. For many years, I have searched for the passenger arrival record of my elusive great-great-grandmother Kate Duncan who arrived in the U.S. from Liverpool (assumed to be her departure site, not place of residence) with [...]
By Carolyn L Barkley
As the genealogist of a Scottish clan organization, I have for many years been frustrated by the notion of a “family coat of arms” and even more frustrated by the sale of such contrivances at Scottish and celtic games and festivals where the organizers should know better. I strongly believe that you [...]