Leslie asked about joining New England Historic and Genealogical Society, while living on the other side of the country. I am a member of NEHGS and find it one of my most cost-effective genealogical tools. There are different levels of membership, starting at $60 yearly. At the upper levels, your membership dues entitle you to telephone conferences with a staff genealogist. There are two publications - the New England Historical and Genealogical Register (published quarterly) and New England Ancestors, (published six times per year) which are sent to you as part of your membership. Discounts are offered to members on selected books or CDs published by NEHGS. There is a wonderful Circulating Library of 30,000 plus volumes, which volumes you may borrow by mail for a small fee. The new website with access to all past volumes of The NEHGS Register is a superb research tool. (And for many of us who have RI ancestors and who have Arnold's Vital Records on CD, this NEHGS membership offers a priceless advantage - Since Arnold is available for an on-line search at NEHGS, by typing in one name, you will find that name if, and as, listed in all volumes - in effect, Arnold now has an easy to use Index!) For the record, I live in Southern California - and have attended a well-done conference run by NEHGS in San Diego. So, NEHGS does come to me..... For further information, visit the website at http://www.newenglandancestors.org/rs0/Default.asp or, check out the benefits of membership at: http://www.newenglandancestors.org/rs0/membership/main/ Judy Chace Needham