Sometimes, genealogy is done behind a computer. The wonderful world of online research has grown tremendously and continues to grow each day. However, there is still a lot to be found out and about. And it is not just archives that we should be visiting! Therefore, my list of eight different kinds of genealogy outings we should be adding to our toolbox.
1. Visiting an archive or repository
The most obvious type of research trip would be the one to an archive or other kind of repository, like a courthouse or church if the records are still being kept here. This is where genealogists go to access original sources (and sometimes copies). It is always a good idea to explore what type of archives and repositories are available at the local and regional level. Don’t forget about the National Archive and specialist repositories.
As an example, for my research into Salomon Mulder I can access records at the local level at Erfgoed Leiden, records at the province and national level at the National Archive, and records at the Nederlands Instituut voor Militarie History (known as the NIHM, the Dutch Institute of Military History). On top of that, because he moved around a lot, there are various other local archives and the province archives for those places (when they are not in the same province as Leiden). Because he lived through World War Two as a member of the military, I can also find information at the NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, which holds original records like diaries from World War Two as well as many published materials. It might not be about my ancestor specifically, but it certainly contains a lot of information I can use for historical context and to help me find more records that are about Salomon.
2. Visiting a genealogical society or local history society
Genealogical societies, while sometimes grouped with archives and repositories due to the records they can hold, often times have records – or copies of records – that archives don’t have. Examples are the CBG (Centraal Bureau voor Genealogie, the Central Bureau of Genealogy), a national organization that holds some unqiue collections and family archives, and the Jan van Hout Society, which is a local historical society of Leiden which has published some really interesting and usueful things for genealogists. That is one of the reasons I mention them separately from the more common archives and repositories mentiond above.
However, the main reason I mention them separately is because they hold a treasure trove of information often overlooked in the form of their staff and volunteers. These indicviduals often have a lot of knowledge about the local history, people and sources, and are often very enthusiastic about sharing their expertise with interested individuals. So I thought it was worth mentioning them separately.
3. Visiting a library
While archives, repositories, and societies often have some form of library with published works, don’t overlook traditional libraries. Local libraries often have a collection of books about the town or city, while national libraries offer a diverse selection of books, historic magazines, and historic newspapers. Some of these are even digitized and accesible on sites such as Delpher, but don;t forget not everything they have is digitized! Then, last but not least, are the university libraries. They house unique collections that could contain information about your ancestors. For example, the Radboud University in Nijmegen has a Catholic Documentation Centre, which could be valuable for researching a missionary ancestor, for instance.
4. Visiting a Cemetery
Visiting a cemetery is more common in some countries then in others. In the Netherlands it is often not worth it because many graves, including headstones, have been removed. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, one cemetery where several of my collateral line ancestors are buried has been declared ‘historical’, meaning no new internments are accepted and no graves are cleared. So I can actually find some historical ancestral headstones there.
5. Visiting a historical site or ancestral location
Actually visiting a location that an ancestor visited is a very special feeling to me. It could be the actual house they lived in – if it is still standing and not changed too much – or it could be a church or major landmark they would have visited or seen. I love doing this, especially when I get to the stage of writing up my research. It breathes life into an ancestor for me and I think it allows me to write better, more immersive biographies as a result.
6. Visiting a museum
Thematic museums can be very useful for research, providing not just background information and historical context but also clues to sources you might not have known existed. Many museums are also research facilities, housing highly specialized books and magazines that you might be able to use for your research. Additionally, knowledgable staff members are often willing to answer your questions. Though do be aware they are not a look-up service and there time is very limited. They also won’t have information about specific ancestor unless they were famous.
Examples of museums that could informative and useful for my own research is the Nationaal Onderwijsmuseum (National Education msueum), for the teachers in my family tree, and the Museum van de Vrouw (the Museum of the Woman), which is about women and currently has an exposition about Women and Crime.
7. Visiting a genealogy conference or lecture
Genealogy conferences, especially large ones like RootsTech, are usually held abroad for me, and with me many other people. This can cause them to be prohibitively expensive to attend in person (though I do use any free online content when available). However, smaller genealogy conferences or lectures in my own country are often very affordable or even free, and I highly recommended attending them. In-person conferences offer the opportunity for interaction with other attendees, a valuable experience which cannot be replicated online. While often online chats for questions are available during digital lectures, in-person conferences facilitate spontaneous conversations during breaks and meals. It is these conversations I find tincredibly valuable.
Additionally, smaller genealogical and historical societies may host niche lectures relevant to my specific research interests, such as an ancestors’ area of living, profession, or neighbours. Many of these lectures are not available online. Missing out on these goldmines of information would be a shame.
8. Visiting family
Visiting family and talking about family stories is something we often forget to do. However, these stories are disappearing with each passing generation. Now is the time to ask and record them. It doesn’t have to be a formal interview. Simply visiting grandma and jotting down the stories she shares is enough. These stories give details you cannot find in written documents, showing how life was back then, and provide clues for research you may not have considered.
My Dutch Family History 