Just to clarify Phyllis's comment about ID, you'll need picture ID to get through the door, then you'll need to get a researcher card to request records and navigate the rest of the building. You'll show photo ID and sign in with security. If you're there before 9 am you'll be directed to the bench in the lobby to wait until they let researchers in, but otherwise you'll go through the next set of doors. Head to registration to get your researcher card right away. You need it to do anything else and a line often forms, so get it over with.  As of about 3 weeks ago, when you stand in the inner lobby there will be two sets of double doors to your right and two sets to your left. You'll want the doors on the left. When you're standing facing them, the set on the left leads to the lockers and restrooms. You will need a quarter for the locker, which you'll get back when you take your things out. The website will tell you what you're allowed to take upstairs. The rest goes in the locker. I use a gallon ziplock bag for my wallet, my phone, my battery charger, spare camera batteries, a flash drive, and my computer cords. It makes it much easier, since I'm also carrying my computer, camera, and printed copies of pension card images from Ancestry (there can be notations on the cards that help to locate the record, so I always print these out and take them).  You'll go through the other set of doors to fill out the request form. Ask the staff any questions you have and if the first person's answer doesn't help, ask someone else. Everybody is really nice and helpful, but some people are more knowledgeable and some are good problem solvers, while others aren't as helpful. They rotate around the building throughout the day, so it isn't hard to find someone else to ask questions.  You're welcome to send me a message off-list if you have more questions. I'm there pretty regularly and will be there again early next week.  Ann Gillespie ________________________________ From: "transitional-genealogists-forum-request@rootsweb.com" <transitional-genealogists-forum-request@rootsweb.com> To: transitional-genealogists-forum@rootsweb.com  Hi all, I am thrilled to be pursuing a line for my first paying client!  I have found digital copies of a pension file index and General Index for Isaac O. Lowe of C Company 31 Indiana Infantry, but fold3, familysearch, and ancestry do not have copies of the actual service file or actual pension. 3 - what the heck do I do when I get to NARA? My inclination is to go to the first desk I see and beg for mercy. The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

I recently made a trip to NARA in DC. I have been telling of my experience on my blog. I am not advertising my blog - I am just mentioning it so that maybe you can get some suggestions on what to expect when you go. My blog is at: http://maggiegen.wordpress.com. I hope it helps! Maggie > > ________________________________ > From: "transitional-genealogists-forum-request@rootsweb.com" < > transitional-genealogists-forum-request@rootsweb.com> > To: transitional-genealogists-forum@rootsweb.com > Hi all, > I am thrilled to be pursuing a line for my first paying client! I have > found digital copies of a pension file index and General Index for Isaac O. > Lowe of C Company 31 Indiana Infantry, but fold3, familysearch, and > ancestry > do not have copies of the actual service file or actual pension. > > 3 - what the heck do I do when I get to NARA? My inclination is to go to > the > first desk I see and beg for mercy. > > > >