First let me suggest that if one of us on the list asks a general question we post to the list instead of privately emailing the individual who asked. I say this because I have learned so much from reading answers to questions that I have not even asked. So in that regard, I'd like to offer assistance to 2 postings I read and hopefully what I have to say will help or at least generate other responses or suggestions. Bleney@pharmacis wanted to know if there was an easy way to find out when her grandmother became a citizen of the US. The answer to easy as far as I know is "no'. However, the census is a terrific tool. Many of the census years (1870, 1900, 1910 and 1920) ask if the person was "foreign-born". The 1920 census even indicates the year in which the person was naturalized. The 1870 census' indicate if the parents were of foreign birth AND the 1880, 1900, 1910 and 1920 census' indicate the parents' birthplace. For additional information on "Clues to the Census Records" go to www.nara.gov/genealogy/cenclues.html Steve at stepway@box.net wanted to know why the labeling discrepancy in the FHL records. I believe you can find the difference in the two contained in the description of the "Contents" printed above the lists. They were apparently filmed twice. The one "1779-1888" says it contains "the petitions for naturalization, oaths of allegiance, declarations of intention for 1779 to 1848. After 1848 contains primarily declarations of intention" The second with the dates of 1848-1906 says it contains petitions for naturalization with accompanying declarations of intention" For research purposes and as little as the FHL charges, I would first try the indexes (if you are not sure of the dates especially) then order both films. The records they filmed were not too organized depending who the clerk of court was at the time. Keep in mind for the second filming, they used 108 rolls of film for a shorter period than the 30 reels they used for the period of 1779-1888. Doesn't this tell you something? I was doing my own research I came across records for the "Declaration of Intention 1849-1906 Index" but after reviewing it found that it also contained the actual documents for some of the declarations for 1906. The labeling CAN be in error. Also keep in mind that if the film says "item 3-5" for example it may contain what the original label says in addition to other information. I found 2 indexes for the years my ancestors declared on two different microfilms. Hope this helps. Barbara