Resource includes Holocaust documents

A recent article on Information Today, "EBSCO Publishing and Footnote Expand Genealogy and Historical Document Resources," highlights the release of new document archives on Footnote.com, including the Footnote Holocaust Archives created in partnership with the National Archives and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. As reported, the database presents records pertaining to the seizure of Jews' assets by the Nazis during the Holocaust, as well as German property subsequently subject to restitution.The archive ncludes more than 600 stories of individual victims and survivors. Users can searchby name or browse the entire collection. Footnote.com is subscription site, but does offer a 7-day free trial to first time users.

"Beat the Crowds" by reserving your National Archives visit online

If you are considering a trip to the U S. National Archives, you may want to check out Dick Eastman's blog, "National Archives Launches New Online Reservations System," providing information on how to "Beat the crowds" and reserve your time, conveniently online.

Mining for Genealogical Information in Federal Records

We might think of the National Archives as containing a static body of information, and genealogists anxiously await each new set of records scheduled to come online.  What we might not realize is that in the U.S. (and probably so in other countries as well), the repository is not static at all. The federal archives are continually adding new data, transferred from other government bodies -- information previously unavailable to the general public. In her article, "Mining for Genealogical Information in Federal Records," Rita Marshall makes a case for going straight to the source and NOT waiting for the movie (or online data release) to come out. Old and new, a considerable amount of valuable information is housed in the federal archives that is not available elsewhere. While a trip to Washington D.C. might not be in the stars for all of us, it is important to know what's available. Professional researchers and look-up volunteers in the area of a particular archive are a possible resource.

Research Room Etiquette: What to Bring and What to Do

Modern technology has brought convenient access to millions of documents, with more being made available every minute, it seems . . . but not everything. Many archives and libraries house unique and valuable information that is not available online . . . and may never be. Because so many of these materials are irreplaceable, access to that material is governed by specific rules. In her article, Research Room Etiquette: What to Bring and What to Do in Archive or Library Research Rooms, Rita Marshall provides some important guidelines to help your prepare.

Footnote.com celebrates Black History Month with launch of African American Collection

In celebration of Black History Month, Footnote.com is launching its African American Collection, as announced in a recent press release. Footnote.com has been working with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, D.C., to digitize records that provide a view into the lives of African Americans that few have seen before.

"These records cover subjects including slavery, military service, and issues facing African Americans dating back to the late 18th century," explains James Hastings, Director of Access Programs at NARA. "Making these records available online will help people to better understand the history and sacrifice that took place in this country."

Footnote.com has spent the last two years with NARA compiling this collection and is currently working on adding more records that will be released in the upcoming months.

Ancestry announces new partnership with National Archives

As announced on Examiner.com, "Ancestry.com partners with National Archives," those interested in finding out whether their great-great-great grandfather was a German farmer or an Austrian shoe cobbler may have an easier time doing so, thanks to a new partnership between Ancestry.com and the National Archives. The D.C.-based Archives and the genealogy Web site signed an agreement Tuesday that would allow Ancestry.com to digitize many of its records and make them available online for family tree enthusiasts.

“The National Archives has, truly, billions of documents and without partnerships like this, they have no really good way or substantial budget to digitize them themselves,” said Tim Sullivan, chief executive of Ancestry.com.

Under the agreement, Ancestry.com will make INS passenger arrival and departure lists between 1897 and 1958 available. Researchers will also be able to find death notices for U.S. citizens abroad between 1835-1974.The company previously worked with the Archives to put census records online, Sullivan said, and will put up additional information as their relationship progresses.

National Archives Hosts Free Genealogy Fair, Apr 23

The National Archives will host its fourth annual Genealogy Fair on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., according to an article in the Biloxi Sun Herald. The fair will provide information and guidance for experienced genealogy professionals and novices alike. This event is free and open to the public. For a schedule of lectures and demonstrations, see http://www.archives.gov/dc-metro/know-your-records/genealogy-fair.

UK Family Records Centre moves to Kew

The closure of The National Archives' Services at the Family Records Center is announced in a press release. The staff and services of The National Archives at the Family Records Centre moved to Kew when the doors closed March 15. The transfer of services and expertise into one building will make research easier. The National Archives in Kew is being extensively refurbished and improved, as part of an ongoing improvement programme incorporating the services provided by The National Archives at the Family Records Centre. When complete, additional seating, microfiche readers and computer terminals will be available to visitors, improving access to original records, research resources and the ever-growing range of online material.

People who used to visit the first floor of the Family Records Centre will find all of the information they enjoyed available at Kew. In addition, they will be able to consult documents and records spanning 1,000 years of history and have access to a wider range staff expertise. To provide security for staff and visitors whilst also ensuring documents are protected The National Archives has installed a new security system. If you would like any more information about the improvements at Kew please visit The National Archives web site.

Footnote.com partners with FamilySearch

Great news for researchers. Footnote.com has announced an agreement with FamilySearch, bringing together their combined resources to digitize and make available many large historical collections, as noted in Digital50.com. The first project will be the three million U.S. Revolutionary War Pension files which will be published for the first time online in their entirety. Footnote.com in partnership with the National Archives has digitized over eight million historical records, with more being added each month, estimating over 25 million digitized documents available by the end of the year. As part of the agreement, Footnote.com will be accessible for free in all FamilySearch operated centers worldwide. The article also states that Footnote.com is now offering free seven-day trial memberships.

NARA historical document price increases -- Voice your opinion

According to an article by Leland Meitzler on Genealogy Blog at the National Archives, NARA (the National Archives and Records Administration) is proposing a large increase in the costs of ordering historical documents. These rate increases would greatly affect family historians trying to order military records, pension files, land records, ship passenger lists, and other files, and would make obtaining some records financially difficult for genealogists.

As a representative example are the proposed rates for obtaining Civil War and other war (Revolution, 1812, etc.) pension files, which will go from $37 to $60 up to $125, depending on which war is of interest.

There will be a public comment period on the proposed rate increases until April 27. To comment online, go to www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions to fill out an online comment/complaint form. Or fax your comments to (301) 837-0319; mail your comments to Regulations Comments Desk (NPOL), Room 4100, Policy and Planning Staff, National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Rd., College Park, MD 20740—600.

General overview of United States National Archives holdings

As Alan Smith points out, "the United States National Archives, is a resource most genealogists know about, yet may not really know the specifics". In his article, "The National Archives," Smith points out that it took him eight years to really dig in and become familiar. The article explores Smith's own discoveries and provides a general overview.