Synopsis
For both beginners and experienced researchers alike, the new 3rd edition of In Search of Your Canadian Roots gives common-sense tips on where to begin your research, how to work backward in time from the known to the unknown, how to test your facts and avoid common mistakes, and, ultimately, how to create a family tree. It discusses the great migrations of Scots, Irish, English, Germans, Huguenots, Ukrainians, and Jews to Canada; describes the records of the national archives in Ottawa; summarizes the holdings of the LDS Church relating to Canada; and explores the vast nationwide record sources such as census records and church registers. It also provides a province-by-province survey of genealogical sources--in effect, a step-by-step guide to the records and record repositories in each of the ten provinces and the Yukon and Northwest territories
Reviews
Baxter, the author of several "In Search of" books, returns with an updated version of his guide to Canadian genealogical research. As in the earlier editions, Baxter covers the basics of research. He also provides an interesting overview of major group migrations to Canada; discusses the importance of using LDS Family History Centers, the National Archives of Canada, and major records sources such as censuses, church records, and registers; and touches briefly on coats of arms. Baxter then devotes several chapters to each province's available records, archives, genealogical societies, cemeteries, and libraries. A bibliography at the end of the book provides general histories and genealogical readings. The book does not delve as deeply into source materials as does a provincial handbook like Brenda Dougall Merriman's Genealogy in Ontario (Ontario Genealogical Society, 1996. 3d ed.), but it does provide a very useful introduction to general Canadian research. Highly recommended for all collections. Grenham's new edition builds on its predecessor's excellent coverage of Irish genealogical sources. As in the first edition (LJ 1/93), a brief introduction to initiating a research project is followed by a discussion of the major sources. Although Grenham broadened the scope of this edition to include information about the holdings of the Family History Library and other repositories in Ireland, libraries should not discard the first edition, as it contains a large amount of data not to be found in the second. For instance, the new edition includes listings of Roman Catholic parish records rather than the Church of Ireland parish records listings that were part of the first edition. Information about manuscripts in the Genealogical Office and a list of family histories located in the National Library of Ireland are also omitted. Libraries that own James Ryan's outstanding Irish Records (Ancestry, 1997) will still want to purchase this book for its updated information. Recommended for all collections. Milner, a professional researcher and speaker, and Jonas, president of the British Isles Family History Society, offer their combined expertise to those in search of their English heritage. Geared more toward beginners than Mark Herber's Ancestral Trails (LJ 3/1/98), this starts with an excellent review of the basics of research and the procedures to acquire information from stateside libraries, LDS Family History Centers, and the Internet. Several chapters then address specific, complex sorts of records. Copious examples give readers an idea of what to expect. Icons point out tips, reminders, and case studies, and brief bibliographies for further reading are found throughout the book. For its thorough introduction and its direct approach to sometimes challenging records, this book is highly recommended for all libraries.DElaine M. Kuhn, Allen Cty. P.L., Ft. Wayne, IN
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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