USING ROOTSWEB

RootsWeb probably has the largest database of surnames and genealogical archives on the Web. Although it happily accepts donations for membership, it does not lock any information away from non-members. It not only provides information, it allows you to become interactively involved with those searching similar information. Its motto is free access. Because of the amount of information it contains, navigating RootsWeb can be confusing at first. Following is my map for navigation.

First, visit RootsWeb Surname List Data Submission Form. This is where you provide your surname information so others can contact you. It works! I received an e-mail from someone who found one of my surnames. I am now hot on the trail of new possible family connections. So, it is well worth the time it takes to submit your surnames.

After you complete that process, go to the RootsWeb Surname List. Here you will find the search engine that will bring up others who are researching one of your surnames. It gives information on how you can contact that person.

The next step in your interactive search is to subscribe to a mailing list. Some of these mailing lists generate a lot of email, so try one at a time. You will find their extensive list of mailing lists at User Mailing Lists Hosted by RootsWeb. See if your surname has a mailing list, then check out the list that closely matches the area you are currently doing research on, also good general genealogy lists are available.

Now is the time to zero in on the state and/or county you are currently researching. RootsWeb hosts GenWeb at USGenWeb State and County Pages at RootsWeb. Just click on the state, and see if your county is hosted.

Gen Web is amassing a large collection of free access archives. Their search site for archives is at USGenWeb Archives. It includes a helpful beta-test search engine for the archives.

Need more help? RootsWeb provides a comprehensive Help Desk.

This will get you started on using the resources at RootsWeb. After you have mastered these areas, explore their other sites. There is much more, and it is growing daily.

HOT TIP OF THE WEEK: If you are visiting family over the holidays, take along plenty of paper and family group sheets. A tape recorder is helpful, too. This is a great time to get those family stories, and get your relatives involved in your family search.

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