Book Review: Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques

By George Morgan, Drew Smith

This is an excellent book. I was sent a copy to review and began reading it when I was researching my family. Now, being adopted, it is a whole different situation.
That said, this is a great tool for those who are keen to dig back into their family history.

It's become quite popular in this day and age, of internet access. I created a family tree many years ago, when my adoptive mother was still alive. This REALLY helped, as birth and death dates are crucial.

As with the Internet, which has been called the great garage sale in cyberspace, you can find information that may or may not be correct.

I created this family tree many years ago

This book helps you narrow search. It gives you places to find clues (census data, birth and death certificates, obits, tomb stones, photographs, newspapers) that you might miss. The photographic evidence is excellent, as there are details in photos that will send you off on previously skipped over clues.

For example, it points out details you might have missed in census data, such as the official enumeration date vs. the actual enumeration date and the place it was done, vs. the actual

On-line you can find
people who lived on your street!
Mom and dad lived here 55 years!

location. There are figures showing birth and death certificates, which highlight the specific details that will steer you in the right direction.
The book explores collecting the data, organizing it, how to interview friends and family, using crowdsourcing, DNA testing, and reviewing your information. It is an easy read; clear, friendly and professional!

It's a great book. I would heartily recommend it for those digging into the past for work or pleasure. It is available as an e-book, as well as hard copy.

The Book Review Club (January 2014)