In a message dated 10/3/99 6:15:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time, stephen.smith.03@snet.net writes: What is the best Ct Gen. Soc to join? It seems you need to belong to one in order to get into some town records (I object to this practice and think all the records should be open to the public, but don't feel like fighting city hall right now). >> I agree that the Conn Society of Genealogists is a fine one. Their monthly publication is helpful. I suggest that you might also consider joining one of the more focused groups - I know that membership as/in Descendants of the Founders of Ancient Windsor will get you the much desired 'card'. I also know that there is still some confussion or 'attitude' among the various town clerks in and around the state. I know the 'law', and should actually carry it with me [in the same slot as my 'card'] so that I may refer to it while at the town hall.......... Basically, [as I recall] any records that are more than 100 years old are avail to all. Beyond that, BIRTH records less than 100 years old are private, EXCEPT to the primary person, a minor childs parents, the court and certain attorneys. I have found that death records which bear the SS number of the deceased are also somewhat protected. I also believe that, IF I can produce/convince the clerk that I am an interested descendant that they will cooperate Will someone here cite the law in it's entirety? susan