Family Research has been an integral part of my life for decades.  This page will address some of the realities of research.  Many beginners believe that it is possible to sit at a computer and have accurate records ready to print off and take home.  Some even consider this effort "research".  To tell them that it might take ten years of searching  to locate a female great grandmother simply won't register.  Those who are seeking their family by computer have little appreciation for the work that went in to the discovery of that record or records which documented an ancestor.   Others feel that if someone has their family records, that individual "owes" them copies because  of shared lineage.  If an individual requests documentation or any records,  it is only reasonable that person reimburses all expenses incurred in  receiving photocopies.

    Most of my ancestors are from New Jersey, New York, Virginia and Maryland in the colonial period.  Needless to say, the research is difficult.  Identifying wives can be particularly troubling.  A forum is needed just to share colonial resources.  I would like to introduce a resource that doesn't seem to be mentioned by family researchers.
    Over one hundred microfilms make up the Draper Manuscripts.  Lyman Copeland Draper was a 19th Century historian who sought to preserve the history of the early settlement of the Old West - the Ohio River Valley, Kentucky, Tennessee, etc.  Interviews, letters, bible records, obituaries, muster rolls, expedition papers, diaries and logs, business records - well, the list goes on and on.  The records cover not only white settlers; but include interviews and accounts of women,  blacks and Native Americans.
    Thanks to Josephine L. Harper, the Draper Manuscripts are now accessible.  Although not a comprehensive index, her book, GUIDE TO THE DRAPER MANUSCRIPTS opens the way to use these as a research tool for family historians.  This book was published by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin in 1983 and is still available.  It is essential for timely use of the over 500 volumes included in the Draper collection.
    The Draper Manuscripts are available through local Family History Centers.  Use the author-title microfiche catalog to locate them.  Or put "889243" in a film/fiche number search on the CD version.
    Okay now....your turn!  Share that great resource for identifying colonial wives in New Jersey, New York  and Pennsylvania!  Please e-mail me at ljmasters@yahoo.com

Historical and genealogical societies are incredible organizations.  Most local units are run on a shoe-string budget by dedicated, interested and generous people.  While they are prevailed upon for information, it is important to remember their needs as well. Enclose a check to cover their research time. Or offer to pay up to a certain amount, and ask them to inform you first if the fees will be beyond the amount. If the society has indicated an interest in acquiring local family histories, prepare yours for them (without cost in as attractive a format as you can create.  Politely request that your history be added to their vertical file.  You may be pleasantly surprised at what will flow your way as others visiting a location see your records.