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If you have family members in the Caribbean, there is no better time to meet or visit them than now. This year from December 7-14, Cruise Everything, a Fritz Travel Company, will be hosting an Eastern Caribbean Genealogy Cruise on board the Celebrity Silhouette, one of Celebrity Cruise Line’s fantastic newSolstice Class ships.The especially great part of this cruise is that there will be three professional genealogists on board who will be available by private appointment to consult with you about your Caribbean heritage.

On board the Celebrity Silhouette you’ll be able to partake of all the amenities and bathe in the splendor of a luxury 5 star hotel. The ports of call are of the most interesting in the Caribbean, and you’ll be able to indulge in five course gourmet meals, revel in top notch nightly entertainment, and explore the uniqueness of destination when ashore.

Some of the fantastic genealogy based activities that will be on offer while on board the Silhouette and ashore are:

• Welcome co*cktail Party (Open Bar!)
• Daily Private Genealogy Events
• Access to Speakers and Hosts Throughout the Trip
• Meeting Rooms for Private Discussions
• Surprise Events and Activities
• Selected Shore Excursions with an Escort for purchase

The cruise will be departing from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (you’ll have to make your own way there) at 4:30 EST on December 7. The first port of call will be San Juan, Puerto Rico, where you will spend an entire afternoon. From San Juan the Silhouette sails to Basseterre, St. Kitts where you have an entire day to explore or meet with family members. St. Maarten is next where you will again spend an entire day before returning to Ft. Lauderdale. The three days that you will spend at sea will feature genbealogy events that include talks, instruction, and insights into Caribbean family tree research.

The genealogists who will be accompanying you on the cruise are professional genealogists Gary and Diana Smith, Certified Genealogist (CG) Jana Sloan Broglin, and renowned genealogy blogger and expert Dick Eastman of Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter. All are nationally recognized speakers who will give discourses on a variety of subjects related to Eastern Caribbean genealogy.

Each of the genealogists will also make themselves available for a private 20 minute session with anyone who wishes. Spaces are limited however, so you’ll need to get your request in early. This is an excellent opportunity to get some free coaching from some very experienced and knowledgeable genealogists, while having some fun and enjoying the Caribbean sun!

It is estimated that at least between fifteen and twenty percent of Americans have roots in the Caribbean. If you’re one of them, this is a great opportunity to get some first-class instruction and to visit the land of your ancestors, maybe even meet some relatives for the first time. You can find out more about the Eastern Caribbean Genealogy Cruise on its Cruise Everything webpage.

After the stock market crash in 1929, several programs were initiated to help the country recover from the depression that followed. One such initiative was the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC), started in 1933. The corps was opened to young men of between 17 and 21 years of age, and eventually 45,000 CCC camps employing more than 500,000 men were established throughout the United States. These young men are credited with building bridges, tending to soil conservation, planting three billion trees, and many other essential tasks. In the camps they were assigned jobs and given lodging, and they were expected to send $25 to $30 of their monthly salary back home to their families.

Additionally the corpsmen restored historical structures, established and managed tree nurseries, built dams, stocked waterways with fish, and developed wildlife streams and trails. They built lodges, lookout towers, museums, fences, drinking fountains and wildlife shelters. They were an integral part of America’s infrastructure right up until the time the corps was abandoned at the outbreak of World War II, when funds were then directed towards the war effort. Many of the CCC’s young members went on to serve in the war.

Records from the Civil Conservation Corps abound, and clues to an ancestor’s involvement in the corps can be found in enrolment cards, obituaries, photographs, or family heirlooms. You may have to search the records of several camps to find information about your ancestor, but once located some of the records you will find are:

• Enrolment Cards – Contain the name and address of the enrolee, camp’s name and address, date they began service, discharge date, and reason for discharge.
• Narrative Reports
• Correspondences – May contain letters to or from enrolees regarding their experiences in the corps.
• Discharge Certificates – Contain date and place of birth, length of enrolment, age, occupation, eye color, hair color, complexion and height.
• Manuals and Handbooks
• Rosters
• Station Lists – arranged by type of camp, camp location, and project information.
• Photographs

Original camp records can be found at the Civilian Records Textual Archives at the National Archives, while a list of states and campsites within them can be browsed online at the Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni Website. Personnel files of the CCC are available by written request only at The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). As when you are requesting any records, make sure you give the NPRC as much information as you can about your ancestor including; full name, date of birth, place of birth, era you are researching, and any other pertinent information. The more data you can supply, the greater your chances of finding your ancestor’s records. Happy ancestor hunting!

Finding records is the goal of every genealogist, and locating them online is the initial preferred method. Once you know a record exists, you can order it from the repository that holds the original, but first it must be found. There are many websites that offer free records searches and free this and free that, but is what they offer really free, or real for that matter? Yes, it is true that many of the returns you get when searching for free genealogy records are from websites offering free trials of a subscription, but there are free records available and also sites to help you to learn how to research genealogy online.

Finding Records fast

You can begin finding ancestry records online in no time at FamilySearch.org. They maintain the largest collection of ancestral records in the world. Their collection currently holds over 6 billion records and is growing daily. FamilySearch is run by the Mormon Church (LDS), and is an excellent starting point for anyone tracing their family history. In addition to their massive record collection, they also give excellent advice on how to access them, interpret them, and request copies of them from the various repositories. Their collection is of the highest calibre, and it is recommended you register with them to take full advantage of the superb resources they offer – all for free!

Pick an Ancestor to Search

The first step to even finding an ancestor is to select one to search for. If you know the name of any relatives who are deceased, choose one that passed away before 1940, as they are the easiest records to find. Some records after that date have not been added to the online databases yet. If you don’t know the name of any ancestors ask other family members to choose one for you. If you can, ask for their date and place of birth or death as well, but don’t worry if you they don’t have that information. A name is enough to start off with, as discovering those other things about your ancestor such as their place of birth, where they lived, or when and where they died, is all part of the fun and challenge of genealogy.

Learn More About How to Search Genealogy Online at Obituarieshelp.org

The genealogy section right here at Obituarieshelp.org has tons of information and advice about how to research genealogy online. Our genealogy pages are chock full of resources with everything from Free Printable Blank Family Trees and Genealogy Forms, to instructional and informative articles about how to research every type of genealogy record.

The best thing about the genealogy resources at Obituarieshelp.org is that they are genuinely free. There is no registration involved, no hidden fees, and absolutely no obligation of any kind. We pride ourselves on being a genuinely free provider of quality genealogy resources, though if you like you can subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to find out about any new free resources we discover, and regularly access award winning content from experts in the field of genealogy.

For those with Polish ancestors, there is no better place to begin your research than the Polish Genealogical Society of America (PGSA). The society was founded in 1978 and is based in Chicago. They are completely dedicated to the preservation and sharing of Polish and Polish-American ancestral history, and in helping its members to apply that information in their research. If you are researching ancestors from the old Commonwealth of Poland, the society has a plethora of books, bulletins, newsletters, workshops, and a variety of printed information that can help. This is a genuine genealogical society that perpetuates a genealogical attitude of sharing resources, leads, and communication among members.

Although the society provides information to help with research, they hold no repositories of records other than the ones published in their own books and periodicals, and in the databases of their members. The staff are all volunteers who are not able to research for you, but are only too happy to assist with pointing you in the right direction or pairing you with someone who can. Keep in mind that the society has no permanent address; they use the main offices of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America as their mailing address and telephone contact point. There are PGSA volunteers available one day per week to answer phone calls and enquiries. The best way to contact them is via post or email.

The Rodziny

The Rodziny is the quarterly publication produced by the PGSA. It provides a wealth of information designed to help those researching their Polish ancestors. There is an extensive amount of material covered in the publication, but its emphasis is on items not usually available to researchers and well written and researched articles. Some of those items include:

• Translations of rare materials by European experts
• An information Exchange where members can post inquiries and have them answered for free by other members or volunteers
• Book reviews on important polish genealogical publications and tips on how to get the most out of them
• Articles on specific Polish research related subjects written by professional and expert amateur genealogists

Additionally the society hosts translated historical documents on their website. One section I found most interesting and could have spent hours reading was the one regarding Polish life in the late 1800’s. There is also a searchable database of Polish troops who served in France during WWI and many links to other databases and important resources for Polish genealogical research.

The PGSA also has an online store which is used to support the efforts of the volunteers. Some of what you can purchase online from them is:

• Books and CD’s
• Research Services
• Obituary Indexes
• Military Record Indexes
• Insurance Records Index
• Instructions on Requesting Polish Records From Specific Towns

The web page of the PGSA is well maintained and updated on a regular basis. You can find information on events, workshops, research advice and instruction, Polish history, heraldry, Polish culture, and there are even some Polish songs if you’re feeling especially celebratory! The PSGA is closely affiliated with The Polish Museum of America Library, also in Chicago, which houses over 60,000 books of Polish interest, including genealogical research and reference materials. If you’d like to join the PSGA, you can fill out their online membership application.

You’re hot on the trail of an ancestor, you find the records you need and excitedly contact the repository. Your excitement grows as you wait for the phone to be answered or response to your letter or email. Finally you get the dreaded answer – sorry there is no public access to those records. Many researchers have become discouraged and given up their search at this point, but there is really no need to.

Yes, some records are not available for the public to access, or access is limited, especially since September 2001. Many government agencies around the world have enforced legislation to prevent access to types of records that may be used to falsify an identity or be used in other illegal activities. Because of this some documents that were previously available to researchers are now not, or you may need to verify your own identity before you are allowed access. This especially includes civil records such as birth certificates, as they can be used to obtain identity cards, passports, driver’s licences and other official documentation.

Some documents have been officially sealed, and may never be available to researchers, regardless of the circ*mstances. Adoption records fall into this category, and it is even difficult for the adoptee or the adoptive parents to receive them. Other types of records that may not be available are certain types of court records, coroner’s reports, inquests, civil lawsuit settlements, and divorce records. Religious institutions may also choose to maintain the privacy of their members, as will some businesses.

These situations are definitely genealogical obstacles that can be difficult to overcome, but there are certain methods you can employ to maximize your chance of moving beyond them. Following are methods that myself and others have used to gain access to restricted records.

Provide Proof of Your Relationship

Whenever you are seeking to access someone else’s records you will inevitably be asked why you want the information, even though the person may be long deceased. The best response is to be honest; stating that you are a genealogist researching their family history, and that you have proof of your relationship. You will also have to provide personal identification, but when the surname is different from your own usually additional proof is required. If you have already done a good bit of work on your family history, take a copy of your pedigree chart with you along with the copies of birth, death and marriage certificates you will need to present. The fact that you are willing to prove your relationship is enough to break down barriers, and repository staff are genuinely happy to help genealogists.

Offer to Pay for Expenses

Show that you are serious about your request by offering to pay all expenses involved such as; copying of records, postage, and administrative costs. Making this clear from the beginning removes the burden of expense from the organization producing the records, and consequently they are more eager to do it. If it is a religious or charitable organization to which you’re making the request, offer to make a donation.

Present Proof or Letters of Authorization

You will often be looking to access the records of distant or collateral relatives, and in such cases may need permission from the family of that person. Because you are not a direct relative, access to the records may be blocked, but this can be overcome by a letter from the family authorising or giving you permission to access them. Make sure that the letter is notarized by a registered notary public or equivalent. Keep your proof of relationship with you at all times however, as it goes along way to backing up the letter to sceptics.

Use the Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requires the United States Government to release records to anyone who applies for them in writing. There are some restrictions that involve National Security, and certain privacy laws may apply to particular individuals. It is important to understand the Act however, as you can invoke it in some circ*mstances to overcome invalid refusals. You can review the FOIA online at the Department of State’s Electronic Reading Room, and make FOIA requests there as well.

Obtain a Court Order

As a last resort for documents that are closed or restricted to the public, it might help to apply for a court order to grant access. You must provide a convincing argument as to your reasons for wanting access, and prove your relationship as well. One of the most effective arguments is the need for medical information. The needs to identify blood type, genetic predisposition to specific diseases or other similar reasons have been successful arguments for obtaining court orders. You may require the assistance of a legal representative in presenting your case to the court, but the cost may be justified if it’s your last resort.

Unfortunately genealogy isn’t always fun and games, but running into a roadblock such as closed records doesn’t have to end your search. A little hard work may be involved, but if you’re dedicated, prepared, and passionate, the above suggestions might help you to access those records that will help you to close another chapter of your family history.

It's been two years since we first published the post reviewing the Top 40+ FREE Online Genealogy Websites Where You Can Start Your Ancestry Search. In those two years, interest in genealogy has continued to grow, and consequently many more resources are now available – many of them for Free!

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