Customer Reviews

Massachusetts Genealogical Research

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Dr. Schweitzer is best known for his series of booklets covering genealogical research for a number of states, and the titles are an excellent starting point for most researchers as well as a handy reference to have. Schweitzer begins with a brief historical overview of the state's settlement, geography, industries, migration and the like, which helps to paint a picture of what likely drew your ancestors there. Schweitzer's writing style is plain and direct and he includes a wonderful county by county listing of resources for each state as well as overall statewide resources and records available at the Federal level. There are undoubtedly books that go into greater detail on each state but the Schweitzer series are a great starting point and well worth the money. These titles usually have to be ordered at local booksellers so Amazon is your best bet at getting these quickly and painlessly. This particular title was written years ago and some telephone numbers and addresses have changed and some groups or societies may be dormant or closed. Additionally Schweitzer does not make reference to internet sources or email addresses, which is just as well as they tend to get out-of-date quite quickly. I've gotten considerable use out of this title on Massachusetts and found it to be very helpful, but the complexity of genealogical research in a state such as this requires more detail. Dr. Schweitzer's booklet is a good survey of Massachusetts research, but to truly be effect you need a more detailed research guide. So far I've not seen anything approaching that level, but it may exist.