Using the Internet is a powerful way for the genealogist to get information from around
the world. The Internet is made up of thousands of computer databases that are linked
together, and can be accessed through the telephone. Each database is the home for a
specific kind of information, and each database has an address where it is located on the
Internet. The information available in a database is introduced and explained on what is re-
ferred to as a homepage.
Infobases such as the LDS Family History Center, run by the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, or the U.S. Gazeteer with census databases, maintain extensive
genealogical libraries. Genealogical societies in numerous cities and counties--such as
the Baltimore County Genealogical Society or Charlotte's Web Genealogy Page-across
the nation have home pages. In addition, bulletin boards--used by people to exchange
specific information-- can be accessed. Combine these sources with commercial sites such
as Family Tree Maker On-Line or Genealogy Tool Box, and you are well on your way to
reaping the rewards of reconnecting with your roots.
Literally hundreds of on-line genealogy sites can be combined with the traditional
sources to gather the information you need to create a picture of your family's past.
"Keep in mind, however,that the computer is not a substitute for old-fashioned research,"
stressed Kathleen Hinckley, owner of discover Your Roots, a company that researches
family trees. "Don't htink you can do all the work by just sitting at home in front of your
computer. To verify the information, you should go back to the original records whenever
you can." Written legal documents, military and government cencus sources, family
Bibles, oral histories, letters and albums, and many visits to courthouses and library archives
in the appropriate cities, are still the backbone of any genealogical search.
Your computer and a knowledge of the ever-growing array of Internet resources at your disposal can, however, make the search to unlock your past easier.
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