Guides to Research

Genealogists love books. There are many research guides, which help genealogists understand the essence of record types.

Although many of the books on this list are older, their advice is timeless. Kathleen Hinckley’s census guide provides clues for more effective census research. The Thorndale and Dollarhide book provides maps of each state during the census years. Evidence Explained, by Elizabeth Mills, provides the guidelines for documenting your research. Newer books cover DNA and genealogy standards.

This bibliography provides general research guides that can help all genealogists. There are many additional books available as well. To see a more complete list of genealogical books, check any of the online book dealers selling genealogy books.

For research tips on specific topics which may impact your research, click here.

Bibliography

Bettinger, Blaine T., The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy. 2nd edition. Toronto, Canada: Penguin Random House Books, 2019

Bettinger, Blaine T. and Debbie Parker Wayne, Genetic Genealogy in Practice. Arlington, Virginia: National Genealogical Society, 2016.

Board for Certification of Genealogists. The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual. 2nd edition. Orem, Utah: Ancestry, 2019.

Colletta, John Philip. They Came in Ships: A Guide to Finding Your Immigrant Ancestor’s Arrival Record, 3rd edition. Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry, 2002.

Eichholz, Alice, ed. Ancestry’s Redbook: American State, County, and Town Sources, Revised edition. Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry, 2004.

Everton, George. The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America. 11th edition. Logan, Utah: Everton Publishing, 2006.

Fleming, Ann Carter. The Organized Family Historian: How to File, Manage, and Protect Your Genealogical Research and Heirlooms. Nashville, Tennessee: Rutledge Hill Press, 2004.

Hatcher, Patricia Law. Locating Your Roots: Discover Your Ancestors Using Land Records. Cincinnati, Ohio: Betterway Books, 2003.

Hinckley, Kathleen W. Your Guide to the Federal Census for Genealogists, Researchers, and Family Historians. Cincinnati, Ohio: Betterway Books, 2002.

Jones, Thomas W., Mastering Genealogical Documentation. Arlington, Virginia: National Genealogical Society, 2017.

Jones, Thomas W., Mastering Genealogical Proof. Arlington, Virginia: National Genealogical Society, 2013.

Mills, Elizabeth Shown. Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace. 4th edition. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2024.

Mills, Elizabeth Shown. Professional Genealogy:Preparation, Practice, and Standards. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2018.

Neagles, James C. U.S. Military Records: A Guide to Federal and State Sources, Colonial America to the Present. Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry, 1994.

Rose, Christine. Courthouse Research for Family Historians: Your Guide to Genealogical Treasures. 2nd edition. San Jose, California: CR Publications, 2020.

Szucs, Loretto Dennis. They Became Americans: Finding Naturalization Records and Ethnic Origins. Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry, 1998.

Thorndale, William, and William Dollarhide. Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790–1920. 3rd edition. Baltimore: Clearfield Publishing Co., 1995.

Last modified: 18-Nov-2024 14:11