Family Tree Magazine has for years published a guide to a state and at least two cities in each issue. These special guides, four pages each, have now been pulled together into two CDs with the information in PDF format.
“State Research Guides,” fully revised and updated, contains articles on the 50 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The guides are a good place to get started. Each article includes an overview of the state’s history, important records, key libraries, archives and organizations; fast facts; top historic destinations; a timeline; and a county map. The guides were researched by experts knowledgeable on that particular state who also sought local input. The CD, or an e-book, is $49.99 each. You can download one state from the company’s website for $3.
The “City Genealogy Guides” contains 31 cities, including Atlanta; Baltimore; Charleston, S.C.; Louisville; Nashville; New Orleans; New York; San Francisco; and St. Louis. The city guides appeared in the magazine through the May-June 2013 issue. The format is similar to that for the states, plus special records for that city and when they began, top historic sites in that city’s metro area, as well as websites for all places mentioned. The CD or the e-book is $29.99 each. One city can be downloaded for $4 from the website.
To order go to www.familytreemagazine.com and then to “shop.” Or call 1-855-278-0408.
Family Tree is one of the best genealogy magazines, with each issue containing more material than you can follow up on before the next issue arrives.
Lunch sessions
The National Archives at Atlanta in Morrow’s First Friday Freebies will have Zina Rhone speaking on “World War I Draft Registration Cards” at noon Aug. 2. It’s free; bring your own lunch. For further information, check www.archives.gov/atlanta.
The Georgia Archives Lunch and Learn session at noon Aug. 9 will feature the staff of the University of Georgia’s Special Collections Department speaking on “UGA and the Digital Library of Georgia,” and the many online treasures found there. It’s free; bring your own lunch. Check www.georgiaarchives.org for further information.
Mapping seminar
Pamela and Rick Sayre will present an all-day seminar on mapping Aug. 17 at the National Archives at Atlanta. Topics include using topographic and other maps, understanding state-land states, and Google Earth for genealogists. The pre-registration deadline in Aug. 7. To register, go to www.friendsnas.org.
