Geneological Resources
Early Vital Records
Vital records are records of life events kept under governmental authority, including birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates. In some jurisdictions, vital records may also include records of civil unions or domestic partnerships. In the United States, vital records are typically maintained at the state level.National Archives
See the list of genealogical records on CD-ROM available at the National Archives in Washington D.C.
Societies
In an effort to share resources, and make them available to a wide number of people, genealogical societies have been created all over the globe.
Genealogical societies have been formed around several variables. Some are formed by people who live close to one another, allowing them easy access to each other’s files and resources. Other societies are put together by people looking for the same information, by people who are descendants from the same families. These people also share their valuable information, but may not live near one another. Another grouping of societies is centered around where the families came from. Members of these societies may live all over the world, but they are all looking for information pertaining to a similar geographic location. Regardless of the nature of the society, each genealogical organization offers several benefits to its members.
Aside from the sharing of resources and information, genealogical societies offer invaluable mentorship and aid to those who are looking for their ancestors. A camaraderie is often formed between members of a society, which is natural considering that these people are both striving to reach a common goal and are spending a good amount of time with one another, either physically in the same place or corresponding via mail, email, video chatting, and the exchange of resources. When one member of a society is having a difficult time locating an ancestor, oftentimes the other members will put their own work on hold and come to the rescue. This group effort has proved a successful tactic for hundreds of societies and is still in full force in genealogical organizations across the world.
Genealogical societies are a great resource for the communities they serve, as they strive to piece together the puzzles of the past while bringing together the people of the present.