Linda sent this to Tremble Mailing list .. i am passing it on again~ brenda THREE TIPS FOR USING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY CENTER In the new April 2000 issue of Family Tree Magazine, genealogist Christina Kassabian Schaefer discusses the network of over 3,400 Family History Centers found across the U.S. and around the globe. These Centers give family researchers access to the records stored in the Granite Mountain Record Vault -- the world's largest genealogical library and a veritable treasure trove of information. Here are three tips from Schaefer on how to get the most out of the Centers: 1. IDENTIFY WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. Before visiting a Family Research Center, first organize what you know about your ancestors on a pedigree chart. Start with yourself and work backwards. If you don't know exactly when or where something occurred, estimate. Gather all the info you can from family Bibles, postcards, obituaries and newspaper clippings. Put all new information on your pedigree chart, which you can download at http://www.familytreemagazine.com/forms/download.html 2. SELECT RECORDS TO SEARCH. Family history records can be either primary sources (such as birth, marriage or death records) or secondary sources (such as biographies, family histories or genealogies). Generally, when selecting records, search secondary sources first, then move on to primary. To find out the different types of records available at your local Family History Center, check out http://www.familytreemagazine.com/articles/apr00/records.html 3. OBTAIN AND SEARCH THE RECORD. Use the call number from the Family History Library Catalog to locate a microfilm, microfiche or book. If it needs to be ordered, you'll have to wait a few weeks for it to arrive. As you study the obtained records, look for facts and clues. Search broad time periods. Check for spelling variations. When you look at vital records, always check if the maiden name of the individual's mother is recorded (it may be the only record of it you'll ever find). To find out the location of the Center nearest you, visit http://www.familytreemagazine.com/articles/apr00/visit.html