Roots and branches

Question: I am planning on visiting several courthouses on a trip East. Do I go in and ask what they have?

Answer: Plan ahead! First of all, check "The Handy Book for Genealogists" and see what records are available for the appropriate county. Call, write or e-mail to find out when you can review the records. Ask whether the records are still available or if they have been given to a library or archived. Ask if there is a local guide, such as the "Research Guide for Nevada County." The Nevada County Genealogy Society has published a guide that tells the researcher where in Nevada County to look for specific records. This saves a lot of time.

It is also good to know whether you have to look for the records yourself or if someone is available to help. Can the records be photocopied, or do you have to copy them in longhand?

When you have planned your trip, sit down and get organized. Make a list of what you are looking for, and the approximate or actual dates of that information. Prioritize, as it may take longer than you think, and you want to get the information that is most the important to you. List items such as births, marriages, deaths, deeds and citizenship in groups, so that you can find what you need in the records more efficiently.

Dress comfortably, as you may be digging in a basement with a few layers of dust on the books. Be polite, pleasant and patient to all you meet. Bring your list with group sheets, plenty of notepaper and pencils. Enjoy your trip!

Josie Plescia Vaughn is the librarian of the Nevada County Genealogy Society. Send questions to NCGS, P.O. Box 176, Cedar Ridge 95924, or e mail