This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: dklart Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.researchresources.brick-20-walls/426.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I see you've posted variations of this query on several other boards. By the time you're researching on-site, you should have pinpointed enough data to insure you make the most of your travel and research time. You really have to know what specifically you're looking for and the probability of finding it. You should have a good understanding of the holdings of the State Historical Archive, local Historical/Genealogical Societies (which sometimes work in conjunction with local libraries) prior to appearing at their door. You may also need to make appointments to book research time. There are documents you should already have in hand. The death certificate may have clues to the names of the parents of the deceased, however that data is secondary, not from the horses mouth. The next document to find is the marriage record, this record is the best bet for parents names. The data on a marriage record is primary source, however there is room for error in an record. Researching siblings of your direct line is another way to find data on the previous generation, they shared the same parents. Finding vital records pre-1900 is subjective, it all depends on the State you're researching in. The best way to learn how and when a particular State instituted recording vital data is to google "vital records" and the State name, and also googling "genealogy" and the state and county names you're seeking data in. In general, don't expect to find State recorded vital data/records pre-1900. Pre-1900, vital data (birth/bap, marriage, death/burial) was recorded by the church/parish. You'll need to know what faith your ancestors practiced. Look in the library catalog on familysearch.org in the areas you're researching in, for records that have been filmed. You can order this film (for a nominal fee) on-line have it sent to a local FHC near you. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.