HOW TO PLAN A SUCCESSFUL ARCHIVES VISIT
You don’t need to be an ‘expert’ genealogist to visit a local or national archive, but it can be a bit daunting if you’ve never been before. Yet some simple planning should make it a pleasurable experience, and hopefully a satisfying way to dig deeper into the lives of your ancestors
Simon Wills
Perhaps visiting an archive will be the day that you finally crack the mystery of great-great Aunt Annie! Archives have unique sources of information that aren’t available online. However, the difference between an enjoyable day and a disappointing one often lies in your preparation.
It is so important to have a research plan for your visit. This does not necessarily mean a regimented formal strategy, but you should ask yourself two questions:
1. What am I hoping to find out?