Hi Fellow Listers: If you are planning on going on the Washington D.C. Bus Trip that the Juniata Co. Historical Society is hosting to the Archives - please make sure you bring some form of photo-I.D. [drivers license]. They will not let you in the building without it!!!!! The bus usually arrives at Boscov's Mall, Camphill, Cumberland Co. around 7:00 a.m.. We then take Rt.15 and stop at a rest area just inside the Maryland border - mainly for those who board the bus up in Mifflin/Snyder and Juniata Co.. We usually arrive at the Archives about 10:00 a.m.. The bus usually drops us off at the main entrance to the Archives which is actually the back of the Archives building. At about 4:30 p.m. we must meet the bus at the front of the Archives building - where the large steps are [facing the Mall] and where the Declaration of Independence was housed and viewed. But I believe it is presently touring the US and not on display. Then on the way home, usually about 6:00 p.m. we stop at the Mountain Gate Restaurant for a smorgasbord/buffet dinner - It's GOOD!!!!! The meal is not included in the $25.00. The cost of the meal is around $12.00 total - well worth the money! If you are planning on viewing Civil War Pension records, please make sure you fill in the "request papers" as soon as you get there and get them handed in. They only pull these files ever 2 hours. They will also generally only pull 2-3 per person per 2 hours - if they are busy. There is no limit on how many files you can request nor copy. You will be able to make the copies yourself at a cost of $.10 per page. Not only are there Civil War records but they house the entire collection of this nation's Census' - 1790 thru 1930 - for every state. They also have the soundex for the 1870 thru 1920 Census'. If you need an index for the years prior to 1870, they have some in book form in the "library" - but not for all states. Your best bet would be to get a copy of the pages from your local genealogical society for the state/area that you need and take that along. I hope I have answered a few of your questions and that you might understand my answers and explanations. If you have further questions once you get there, there are persons who can assist you at the Archives. Best Wishes... and hope to see you on the bus! Donna HELLER ZINN of Newville, Cumberland Co., PA. ----------------------------------------------------- Earl H. Lippert wrote: > > Hi Donna, > > Thank you for letting us know about the D.C. bus trip. Have you ever taken > one of these trips to the National Archives? I was wondering about how much > time you would have there and about how many files would you be able to > research. I mean like say the military files. Would there be a limit of > how many you can have pulled to research and have copied. I guess I sound > kind of stupid, but I was never there and I don't know what to expect and I > thought if someone was already there and maybe I could get an idea of what I > could get accomplished. The military files are the only thing that I've > ever sent to the N.A. for, so what else is there to find. I hope you don't > mind me asking you all of these questions? > > Another question, do they let you off and pick you up at the door or is > there much walking involved. I have two bad knees and this was a big factor > in my retiring from my job as a Letter Carrier this past April. > > Thank you for any information that you might be able to give me and I hope > to hear from you. OK? > > Sincere Best Wishes, > > Earl