Many if not most genealogists have experienced the situation where they meet a distant cousin who is researching some of the same family history. That cousin is miles ahead of you on your common lines, and is willing to share what they know in exchange for you sharing what you know. This type of networking is common in genealogy, and can really enhance your research results.
Working Together Can Result in Greater Progress in Genealogy
One of my main research lines is my wife’s paternal great-grandfather, Seth Boynton Cheney. I was able to learn much about him, taking the limited notes of my father-in-law and greatly expanding them. My research really took off, however, when through an internet genealogy message board I came in contact with a woman who was my wife’s second cousin. She was just beginning her genealogy work, and didn’t know much about this ancestor.
As she lived in Boston, she was able to access the New England Historic Genealogy Society (NEHGS) library. In that she found information about where Cheney lived for thirty years that were missing in family lore and in my research. From her on-line networking, we were able to make contact with another second cousin who was just beginning her genealogy research. We were able to help her, and she was able to fill in gaps in our knowledge about her branch of the family.
Such networking opportunities provide sharing of genealogical information, as well as research methods and locations. It can also provide fellowship. Genealogy tends to be a lonely hobby. Many family members don’t care, and you work alone. To find one who does care is a real morale boost.
Real Life Genealogy Networking Opportunities
Many organizations have been formed in which genealogists can network. Every state has a genealogy society, and many counties have either branches of the state society or their own independent group. County meetings tend to be monthly or quarterly, often at a public library. Even if you live in a place that is far distant from the county where your ancestors lived, attending these meetings can be enjoyable and informative, especially if they have educational programs.
State organizations have joined together into the Federation of Genealogical Societies. This is an umbrella organization for the other societies. Another national group is the National Genealogical Society (NGS). This comprises individual researchers, holds national conventions and publishes helpful periodicals. The previously mentioned NEHGS covers more than just New England ancestors. It really qualifies as a national networking organization.
In addition to these, organizations exist based on ethnicity or national origin. Check these out to see if they can help you in your research. And, as with all endeavors, as you grow in your knowledge base and accumulate research of your own, share it with others in the organizations you join.
On-line Genealogy Networking Opportunities
In the last ten to fifteen years on-line groups have sprung up that can really benefit genealogists. These lack the real-life contact that other groups do, but they provide opportunity for other researchers to find each other and to share information. Rootsweb is one such group. This was an independent organization that has been bought by Ancestry.com. Networking opportunities with this group include message boards, the WorldConnect project, and surname registries.
GenForum is another type of message board, and provides opportunity for information sharing. Both the Rootsweb and GenForum message boards are organized by location and surname. Many people post queries there, seeking ancestors. Sometimes people make informational posts, about research they have done and want to share. Both sites include excellent search engines to help you sort through the archived messaged.
Besides finding information or accessing educational opportunities, these on-line groups allow you to make contact with researchers who have similar interests to you. You won’t always find a long-lost cousin, but you might find people who will become good friends, with whom you can share research tips, and provide encouragement when you meet that brick wall that all genealogists meet.
Networking is a powerful tool for the genealogist, no matter how experienced. Don’t miss out on these opportunities.
David A. Todd - David Todd is a civil engineer, a genealogist, a citizen concerned with the environment, and a writer by passion.
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