We have visited a couple of FHC's at LDS sites, and one Family History Center in Bowling Green,Ohio at the university. Some of the results were more than expected, and we went home empty handed from others. Now we're wondering if a visit to NARA is the best possible choice? If so, we could make that trip next. Also, since NARA stands for National Archives and Records Administration, I "assume" one location would have the same resources as all others. However, if that is not the case, perhaps we need to focus on finding a location we can reach that would be more local to our needs. It would be great to have the insight of someone who has already spent time at a NARA site. And when we go, we would be pleased to do look ups for others as small recompense for the untold assistance we've received from member of this board. Carol Atkinson ISO Michalski, Miezytlo, Zielinski, Jagla **************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)

Hi Carol: NARA holds Federal records only, not State or local records. Each NARA branch holds records specific to certain states. So for instance if you were hoping to find a bankruptcy case (which is considered a Federal matter) that took place in Michigan, you would want to contact or visit the NARA in Chicago, which holds some, but not all, bankruptcy cases for Michigan. You would not find this same case at the NARA in Kansas City, which hold records for its' covered states. Also, when visiting NARA, it's best to call a few days before you plan to show up so they can pull the files that you want to view. It is not open shelving. You will be assigned an archivist that will help pull records for you during your visit. At least that has been my experience. I only visit NARA when I need something specific. Check out their website and see what records are offered at the NARA that you are planning to visit. If you plan beforehand, you can make the most of your visit and tap into as many applicable records as you have time for! http://www.archives.gov/ I hope this helps. Good luck! Kim Stankiewicz Genealogist for Chicago and Cook County, IL -----Original Message----- From: poland-roots-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:poland-roots-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of DeZiner124@aol.com Sent: Monday, July 07, 2008 11:18 AM To: poland-roots@rootsweb.com Subject: [POLAND] Visiting NARA vs. LDS Family History Center We have visited a couple of FHC's at LDS sites, and one Family History Center in Bowling Green,Ohio at the university. Some of the results were more than expected, and we went home empty handed from others. Now we're wondering if a visit to NARA is the best possible choice? If so, we could make that trip next. Also, since NARA stands for National Archives and Records Administration, I "assume" one location would have the same resources as all others. However, if that is not the case, perhaps we need to focus on finding a location we can reach that would be more local to our needs. It would be great to have the insight of someone who has already spent time at a NARA site. And when we go, we would be pleased to do look ups for others as small recompense for the untold assistance we've received from member of this board. Carol Atkinson ISO Michalski, Miezytlo, Zielinski, Jagla **************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007) ********************************* Need to contact the list manager? Write to Marie at Poland-Roots-admin@rootsweb.com ---------------------------------- Discussion of Polish food, culture, and customs are welcome on the list as long as the discussion stays pertinent to the topic of this list: researching our Polish roots. ---------------------------------- Browse the list's archives here: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index?list=poland-roots Search the list's archives here: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/search?aop=1 ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to POLAND-ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message