Finding your roots online

Internet makes genealogy research easier, but not always more reliable By Rick Castellini To give you the best possible information about using the Internet for genealogy purposes, I talked with a Jodi Nestler, a genealogy expert who lives near my home in Colorado. Nestler has been researching her own genealogy for more than 25 years and helping others learn to do the same for nearly as long. Although many great resources can be found on the Internet, she warns that genealogists must follow all leads and verify, verify, verify. Start with Cyndi Nestler stated that the 'queen' of all genealogy sites is Cyndi's List (http://www.cyndislist.com). Cyndi's List has been around for more than ten years (a long time in Internet years) and has compiled an unequaled list of genealogy web sites, forums, email groups, and more. All serious genealogists with an Internet connection will find this site irreplaceable. Then try these sites In addition to Cyndi's List, Nestler suggested that these genealogy sites all be bookmarked: FamilyHistory.org (LDS site and the opportunity to download a capable and free genealogy program) National Archives & Records Administration - http://www.nara.gov Roots Web - http://www.rootsweb.com Genealogy.com US Gen Web Project - http://www.usgenweb.com KindredConnections.com MyTrees.com Ancestory.com Ellis Island Records - http://www.ellisislandrecords.org Immigrant Ships - http://istg.rootsweb.com Civil War Soldiers and Sailors http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss Official Federal Land and Patents Records - http://www.glorecords.blm.gov Dating Old Photos - http://www.familychronicle.com/phototip.htm Check & double-check those facts! I mentioned earlier that Nestler emphasized that Internet genealogists need to follow up all leads with as many facts as possible. She said that one mistake many beginner genealogists get a little too over-zealous with the ease of which information can be found. To help verify the 'facts' you uncover, check with all available documentation and other's genealogy research. The information can be found quickly, but so can some of the supporting data. Making sure that your data is correct from the beginning will save a lot of time later trying to retrace dead ends. Thankfully, I had a local expert to help me put together this article for you. Neslter pointed out that you can find many local genealogy experts in Family History Libraries around the country and you don't have to be part of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons) to utilize their expertise and vast information reserves; including their computers if you don't have one of your own. Rick Castellini is an author, computer consultant, and hosts a nationally syndicated computer radio show from Colorado. Visit his web site at www.HelpMeRick.com for new tips every week and sign up for his free weekly email newsletter.