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USING ROOTSWEB


Rootsweb provides an amazing amount of data, so much that where to begin becomes confusing. Searching their site a bit at a time is the best plan of attack. A quick overview is at RootsWeb: Newbies Letter. Even if you are not a newbie to RootsWeb, this site can remind you of resources that you may not have made use of yet.

After reading the newbie letter, the next direction to go is Roots Surname List - Interactive Edit where you can find all the information you need to post your surnames. That's where the fun starts. With luck, you will eventually find an e-mail from a lost cousin in you box.

Of course, you don't have to be passive in you search for cousins. After entering your surnames, go to Roots Surname List - Interactive Search and enter the surnames you are researching. Contact those whose surnames match the time period and location you are researching.

Mailing lists are another way of collecting the information you need. RootsWeb has thousands of lists to subscribe to. Some of them generate hundreds of e-mails a day, others one or two. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, start slow with one list. As always, it is important to focus your research. Find a list that best covers you current area of research at User Mailing Lists Hosted by RootsWeb.

RootsWeb is the host to The USGenWeb Project. This is the most comprehensive collection of resources for state and county research. Here you will find contact information for the genealogical records you need, information on what is online for your area, history, surnames, and much more.

GenConnect us a growing newcomer to RootsWeb. It provides query boards on surnames and locations to post on and read through. Go to the GenConnect - Vistors Center to get on overview.

Finally, for any further questions about RootsWeb, go to RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative: Help Desk FAQ.

This should give you a good start. I hope you will enjoy your visit.

NEXT WEEK: In honor of Women's Month - Researching your female ancestors.

The copyright of the article USING ROOTSWEB in Genealogy is owned by Christine Sievers. Permission to republish USING ROOTSWEB in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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