POSTING AND REGISTERING YOUR SURNAME

Recently, two of the most difficult branches of my family tree had a growth spurt because lost and distant cousins found me on the Internet. Taking steps to find these cousins is one of the easiest, but most powerful of the Internet tools you can use. All you need to do is to register you surname, or post queries.

I have made a list of 15 sites. But, before you get started, decide on the method you want to use to keep track of your postings. I use note cards and a filing box. But, whatever way you decide to do it, be sure to keep the following information:

1. the site name and URL

2. any user names or passwords

3. the date you entered your information

4. the surname you posted

This information will become most important if you change your email address.

The following list are places where you can either post or query a surname. I have picked these sites because they also include a search engine, so your cousins can easily find you. Before you post, it is a good idea to first use the search engine to find out if your cousin is already looking for you. I recommend working with only one surname at a time.

Not all queries are equal. Some will get you better responses. 6 Steps to Writing a Successful Genealogy Query and St. Clair County, Michigan Genealogy are two excellent how-to's on writing effective queries. Their styles are slightly different, but both are good.

Now, you are ready to begin. Here is my recommended posting site:

1. http://events.genealogy.org/ - Genealogy Online. First, go to "create an account", then enter data.

2. http://www.distantcousin.com/Surname/add... - Query form for DistantCousin.com

3. http://www.familyworkings.com/form/query... - Family Workings Ancestor Query Form

4. http://www.genexchange.com/query.cfm - GenExchange Query Page. You can enter and search here, it will take you to the state form to query.

5. http://www.ucr.edu/h-gig/surdata/namefor... - H-GIG Surname Registry Form

6. http://rsl.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/rsledit.... - Roots Surname List -- Interactive Edit

7. http://query2.genealogytoolbox.com:808/~... - WebBoard at the Genealogy Toolbox

8. http://genforum.familytreemaker.com/ - GenForum. Search to see if your surname is listed, if not submit a request to add to forum.

9. http://www.gensource.com/common/addname.... - Common Threads, Add your name request

10. http://www.heritagequest.com/genealogy/q... - Heritage Quest - QueriesCenter

11. http://www.lineages.com/queries/queries.... - Lineages' Free Genealogy Queries

12. http://www.queryone.com/surnames/index.s... - Query One Online Discussion Forums. Go to surnames under letter, if surname is not listed post a query in unlisted.

13. http://www.citynet.net/mostwanted/submit... - "Genealogy's Most Wanted" Submissions

14. http://www.gengateway.com/surnames/surna... - Surname Guide: You Genealogy Gateway to The Web

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