Week 8  Genealogy Resources - Ancestry Library

After viewing the tutorials that were available for this database I paid a visit to my local library and sat down to start my search. I began my search by typing in my own name and found that the first 5 results pertained to me. Of the 5 results, one was accurate and up-to-date while the other 4 were rather out-dated. All the results had the correct date of birth but the residence information was not accurate. The one that seemed the most accurate actually included my telephone number which was correct. When I clicked on the link that was the most accurate I found that it also included my birth date and below mine in parenthesis was my daughter's without her name. There was no information on my son. I did try to access my marriage license by adding all the pertinent information in the search boxes but I didn't get any results.

I had a great time searching for information on my grandparents and also my father who has been deceased for many years. It was very exciting to find their names with accurate information although the most current information was from the 1940 Census Report. I learned that my grandmother had my father when she was 26 years old which seems fairly old for that generation. The results included her husband, their address, their children and their ages, place of birth and other information. I was also able to access information on who their neighbors were but I did not remember any of their names. I did remember the street address listed and it brought back some very pleasant but vague memories. I also looked into my husband's family and found information on the ship that my father-in-law served on in the Navy. So much information and so little time!!!

Maps and Photos was an interesting database once I was able to find it. It took some time hunting in order to find the link and figure out how to get the results I was looking for. I typed in Maine and came up with 212,144,019 results. Overwhelming to say the least! I did refine the search to Livermore Falls and found yearbooks with photos and articles available. I liked the option in the upper right corner of the page that allows you to flip through the pages of the yearbook as if you were holding the actual book in your hands. You have the option to zoom in on the pictures and articles and also customize the page to full screen with other options available. I was disappointed that there were only a few years available but maybe with more searching I could have found additional results.

This database is very impressive and lots of fun to use. I can see how beneficial this would be for someone interested in genealogy. I was fortunate to have a co-worker at the library doing the same assignment so we were able to help each other. It did take some time to figure out how to navigate the site but once we did we thought it was amazing. We had a hard time keeping our "library voices" on when we found information about family members long deceased. Quite an enjoyable afternoon spent at the local library!