Ancestry Magazine

As a former reporter, I can tell you that few experiences compare with traveling to where our ancestors walked, worked, and—as humble as their home may have been—lay down to sleep every night. An old family home can be full of great finds (especially if it is still in the family) so being armed with the right tools is a must.

What would I take? A lightweight travel bag—with compartments to hold 8 1/2″ x 11″ papers; it can easily hold what you need. It doesn’t have to be expensive (mine cost $25), but it will be priceless to you on your journey.

And what do you put in that bag? Here are the five tools I’d drop in:

1. File Folder with Information on the Family that Lived in the Home
Whether in narrative form or a collection of pedigree and family group sheets, having the information at your fingertips will help you determine the significance of items you find (it can also help distinguish between family members with the same name). I love my computer, but a hard copy makes it easier to share information with the house’s current occupants and often helps them think of items they have that are of interest to me.

2. Camera
Digital or film is a personal choice, but I prefer digital because I can tell on the spot if I got the picture, and uploading photos to my computer is a snap. I take pictures not only of the house and individual rooms but also of artifacts that may be sprinkled throughout. Digital cameras, found in the electronics department of many stores, have come down considerably in price. Good ones may be found for as little as $100.

3. Spiral notebook
Taking notes by hand as I go from room to room is much more practical than using my computer. Information I learn about the house and its early occupants, a record of every picture I take, and my impressions and observations all go into one notebook for easy retrieval when I return home. The best bargain on notebooks is at dollar stores.

4. White Gloves
These protect photographs and documents from oil and dirt on my hands. In addition, since home-stored genealogical records are rarely in a dust-free environment, gloves eliminate the need for frequent hand washing. I keep a couple of pair in the bag so I can switch if one pair becomes dirty. The gloves can be found online by typing “white gloves” in a search engine. Be careful to get those recommended for handling photographs, since other kinds may be too thick to be practical. You can get a dozen for just a few dollars, but handling and shipping can double the price.

5. Address, Phone Number, and Hours of the Local Historical Society
Historical societies can tell you nearby places to mae copies of photographs and documents. If you find loose newspaper articles in your search, the society may be able to identify the publication and even date the story. If nothing else, you can learn about the history of the area to help put your ancestors’ lives in context. Before leaving home, type the area you are visiting and “historical society” in a search engine. Mapquest.com or Google.com (click on Maps) can give you driving directions from your ancestral home to the local historical society.