Meeting Your Ancestors, On the Road, Part I

Make lodging arrangements ahead of time. Making reservations is always a good idea, whether it is for a motel room or a campsite. You might be visiting a small town, but if they are holding their annual international chili cookoff the week you visit, you may find yourself sleeping in your car at the side of the road.

Bring directions. Bring a map of the area you are visiting. You may want to get a local map as well, as these often illustrate the little off roads that aren't shown on a regional map. Get directions ahead of time for churches, cemeteries, etc. Many of these places are off the beaten path, and to avoid wasting time travelling in circles, it's best to get detailed instructions ahead of time.

Tell people you're coming. If you plan to visit relatives while in the area, definitely let them know when you plan to be there, and tell them about your interest in family history. Who knows? They might be able to provide you with some information, records, or at least give you an idea where else you might look.

Bring the necessary equipment. Make sure you bring the supplies you'll need to find and record the information you will be gathering. These might include: pens and pencils, notebooks, a tape recorder, a good camera (a digital camera is great, as is a camcorder), telephone numbers, notes on who you'll be researching, maps, plenty of change (for copying machines) and comfortable clothes (bring sensible shoes and long pants if you'll be tromping about in cemeteries.) A laptop computer and portable scanner are great tools, but ones many of us don't have. It's probably best that you don't bring your original records with you. Too many incidental things are routinely lost while travelling. Don't take the chance that precious original resources will be lost as well.

If others are travelling with you, particularly youngsters, make certain they have something to do also. Everyone may not be as interested in your hobby as you are. You'll enjoy yourself more knowing that everyone else isn't bored and irritated.

Finally, enjoy yourself. Travelling can be tiresome, and research, although frequently exciting, can be exhausting. Balance your time finding information with other enjoyable activities. When you get home, think about all that you have discovered, and remember to write thank you notes to all who may have helped you.

Go To Page: 1 2