Genealogy Department

The Genealogy Department at the Tarpon Springs Library is part of the Reference Department. The genealogy collection is located by the magazine section in the library. Volunteers are available twice a week to provide assistance in conducting research and using the library's resources. Genealogy help is offered on Mondays with John Kiwala from 10 am to 4 pm and on Tuesdays with Ken Nichol from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Tarpon Springs Library's genealogy collection consists of about four hundred books as well as periodicals, videorecordings, CD-ROM's, and online databases. Family books by individual authors and publishers as well as books containing census information, immigration information, and local histories of communities in the United States make up the greater portion of the collection. A wide variety of periodicals are also available. The collection also contains miscellaneous articles, how-to books, and bibliographies of other libraries' holdings. The CD-ROM's include the Family Search series by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and the Family Tree Maker. The volunteer genealogists and the reference staff are available to assist patrons in using these products.

In addition, a seven-part series of videorecordings may be checked out for viewing at home. These videocassettes feature professional genealogists providing instruction on conducting genealogy research and advising what various sources of information have to offer researchers.

Are you interested in finding out about your ancestors, but are not quite sure where to begin? Then, check out these tips listed below for getting started with your genealogy research.

A good first step is to acquire information from your relatives. Ask your family members for any information about your family history, especially dates of birth, marriages, deaths and descendants. Keep a written record of all the details you find out, even though some of this information may not be exact.

Then, begin a family pedigree chart and a family history sheet. Start a reference log and number and cross-reference each of its entries in order to document the source of the information. Remember to enter all the pertinent information you have on your chart (using pencil is recommended). Most forms you will need may be obtained from a source at the library.

Maintain a file for each family. Keep all the relevant data, such as photographs, documents, family history sheets, and correspondence logs, in a special section. Acid-free folders help to protect original documents and photos.

At this point, you will have made a good start, but still have a lot of research ahead. You may come to the library on Mondays or Fridays and speak with the volunteer genealogists for further assistance and you may use the materials available at the library to conduct your genealogy research.

Research is an adventure and is much like detective work. After accumulating your facts, try looking in the oldest places first. Someone else may have already done some of the work for you. Look in the indexes of books and periodicals for your family name, and write to the researcher for more information. Always enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (sase) in order to facilitate your inquiries.

If you would rather document and search on your own, you may find it necessary to write away for certain records, or use microfilm when available. Be sure to make a copy of the record. There are two main types of records available:

• Original Records: These are the recorded documents of birth, death, marriage, census, social security, immigration or naturalization. You must write to the state archives or the County Seat to obtain these records.


• Compiled Records: These are the records that someone else has accumulated such as a genealogy chart, family history, a bible, letters, or a bibliography.

The compiled records are a primary source of your search. There are many periodicals, genealogical society journals and library bibliographies to consult. One of the largest sources is the LDS (Latter-day Saints) Library in Utah. The LDS Library has an extensive collection of family files and civil records. A computer file of the LDS Library's holdings can be accessed at many public libraries, or at one of the LDS churches that has a genealogy library. Most provide assistance. Call first for information and hours of operation.

Another good source for genealogy information is the Internet's World Wide Web. This approach is not for those fearful of computer technology. Several computers with Internet access are available at the library for free public use. Be aware, however, that only a few sites have databases of actual information, but do provide a multitude of sources to which you may write or e-mail for further information. See our Genealogy Resources page to begin this type of research.

The original records and photos are an invaluable source of information and should be copied and stored in acid-free folders or mylar protectors. Make copies of all data found. If the article is found in a book, copy the page containing the information and also the title page of the book. Then assign it a number and list is on your reference form.