Delaware County NY Genealogy and History Site

I work at our local Family History Center and numerous times people come in and don't realize that we have more than just the IGI, Ancestral File, etc. The IGI, Ancestral File, Pedigree Resource File are all mostly families put together by others. The IGI does include some records indexed from the actual records they have filmed. But, another valuable source that the Mormon church provides to anyone for a nominal fee ($5.50 per film) is "over 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records; 742,000 microfiche; 310,000 books, serials, and other formats; 4,500 periodicals; 700 electronic resources." (taken from their website).

All those records in Salt Lake City are available to them in their local Family History Center. You may search the library catalog to see what's available from your home at http://www.familysearch.org/eng/Library/FHLC/frameset_fhlc.asp. Then, go into your local FHC and order the film. You will receive it in about 2-3 weeks and may view the actual records that the Mormon's have microfilmed all over the world. I have been doing research fairly steadily for well over 10 years and have yet to exhaust looking at all the films they have with original records for my family all over the world. And, they continue to film records to this day. They are also WORKING on a project to get those films indexed and online with the actual records viewable over the internet.

You must not rely on the IGI, Ancestral File, Pedigree Resource File data as proof. But, it is a starting point to give you clues as to where your family might be or possible connections. Then, use the microlfilms/fiche, etc to prove or disprove what someone may have submitted. If you have never used them you are missing a very valuable resource. It's a great way to get records from overseas that would require a trip or a very long wait for someone to look up for you. You can do it yourself.

• To check out where you local FHC is, go to:
  http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/FHC/frameset_fhc.asp
  
  

• If you'd like to find out about the indexing project that anyone may be involved in, go to:
  http://www.familysearchindexing.org/en/home/home.jsf?pname=homeTab
  
  

• If you'd like to see what's already been indexed and online, go to:
  http://labs.familysearch.org/ It is still a work in process. But, you can see the valuable resource the indexing efforts will provide and search the records already available.