OCR Can Make Names Where None Exist

Just a quick reminder about the limitations of OCR technology when using computer-generated indexes.

$5 Webinar Sale Back until 25 August

Due to popular demand, we have brought back our $5 webinar sales now through 25 August. If you've not seen our list of topics, a complete list and ordering instructions are available here.

We have a variety of topics and our presentation is informal with a focus on increasing your skill level and knowledge.

Download is immediate and you can view the presentation as many times as you want.

Full or Everyname Index?

We've mentioned it before, but we will again--with the thought that if I occasionally forget, someone else might too.

Always determine (if possible) if the index or finding aid to a series of records is an every name index, an index to principal people involved, or something in between.

Your search methodology depends upon it.

1914-1918 Prisoners of the First World War ICRC Historical Records

From a website of the International Committee of the Red Cross:

"The belligerent countries sent lists of prisoners of various nationalities to the ICRC. Then it set up alphabetical indexes"

Search the index here. 

Varieties of Irish Names

For those with Irish relatives, this 19th century publication on names may be helpful. Varieties and synonymes of surnames and Christian names in Ireland for the guidance of registration officers and the public in searching the indexes of births, deaths, and marriages. The book can be located digitally here.

Are the Covered Years Really Covered?

Always check any database with a test search if you think it's not working or as complete as described. A recent search of a database for Cook County, Illinois, returned no hits for people with the last name Smith born between 1930 and 1938. That's got to be a problem with the search--not me.

Tennessee Bible Records Online at TN State Archives

The Tennessee Secretary of State's Office has posted scanned images from 1500 family bibles and put them on their website.