Long-Distance Genealogy: Researching Your Family History from Home [Paperback]

Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2000

Shows armchair researchers how to utilize a broad range of sources including family correspondence, depository records, CD-ROMs and the Internet to effectively conduct research without traveling.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Aimed specifically at beginners and those who may be limited to "armchair" research, this book starts by covering the basic principles of genealogical research and the various types of records to be searched. Using the same familiar icons as in other Betterway genealogical publications (e.g., Kathleen Hinckley's Locating Lost Family Members & Friends, LJ 10/1/99), Crawford-Oppenheimer offers tips on how and where to gather data. After discussing the basics of letter/e-mail writing and phone call/e-mail etiquette, she provides sample letters for requesting the many types of records. The successful use of the local library and of interlibrary loan is discussed, along with how and when to contact other libraries and archives and how to hire a professional researcher. How to build a personal genealogy library, find and contact other researchers, and use the Internet, CD-ROMs, microfilm, and periodicals are also covered. Ironically, the book does include a chapter on taking a research trip. Much of the beginning information is more thoroughly covered in works such as Desmond Walls Allen's First Steps in Genealogy (Betterway, 1998), but the geographically confined will appreciate the tips for reaching out to faraway sources. Recommended for public libraries.DElaine M. Kuhn, Allen Cty. P.L., Ft. Wayne, IN
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Betterway Books (August 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155870535X
• ISBN-13: 978-1558705357
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #590,367 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for anyone doing genealogy research.., November 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Long-Distance Genealogy: Researching Your Family History from Home (Paperback)

I first got this book from the library and it's one of the best genealogy books out there. The book tells you how to obtain documents, what to write, what section of the county offices to write to (although you have to look up individual addresses yourself); how to ask how cost of copies, etc..

For example it tells you what to ask for when wanting a copy of an ancestor's will - ask for "an estate file", then it gives you an example of what to write when asking for the cost and then the follow up letter after obtaining the cost.

It's a great book and I ended up buying a copy for myself.

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible!, July 14, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Long-Distance Genealogy: Researching Your Family History from Home (Paperback)

I've been doing research from home for several years, and just got this book to see if it had any new ideas. I'm so glad I did! The author provides the kind of guidance that I haven't found in any other book -- extremely useful specifics that tend to be glossed over in other 'beginner' books. In addition, the author writes in such a clear, well-organized, and 'conversational' manner, the book is easy and pleasant to read. I've learned things from this book that have made it more than worth the price, and I can't recommend it highly enough. If I had to give up all my beginner- to intermediate-level genealogy books but one, this is the one I'd keep.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars VA/MD Genealogy Buff, January 11, 2003

By 

M. Kiss "librarian by blood" (where the military sends us) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Long-Distance Genealogy: Researching Your Family History from Home (Paperback)

I checked this book out of the library because I'm doing my VA/MD family research from WA state. I now have to have my own copy, the information in this book is invaluable whether you are researching family that is across country or right in your very own state. The sample letters are a tremendous time-saver. Highly recommend this title.