In Record Time

1. Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Archives, 3rd edition, edited by Anne Bruner Eales and Robert M. Kvasnicka (National Archives Trust Fund Board). Genealogists have been eagerly awaiting this new and revised version of a classic research guide. Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Archives helps you uncover the many genealogical treasures you can find in the records of the federal government. From commonly used sources, such as the census, passenger arrival lists and military records, to the more obscure documents on lighthouse keepers and American Indians, this guide covers something for every researcher. Updates include information on the 1920 census (although coverage of the soon-to-be-released 1930 census is not included, unfortunately); increased coverage of naturalization records; enlarged chapters for African-American and Native American sources; and more coverage of the records in NARA’s 13 regional archival facilities.

2. Uncle, We Are Ready! Registering America’s Men, 1917-1918 by John J. Newman (Heritage Quest). A critical resource in researching men of the early 20th century is World War I draft registrations. All men — whether US citizens or foreign-born aliens — between the ages of 21 and 30 were to register in the first draft, which began June 5, 1917. In the second draft registration that began a year later, males who had turned 21 since the first registration had to register. Finally, on Sept. 12, 1918, a third registration was held for all men aged 18 to 20 and 31 to 45. This comprehensive guide, divided into two parts plus a CD-ROM, explains the draft registration process. It shows you how to locate the records, giving National Archives microfilm numbers and Family History Library catalog numbers for every draft board in the nation. The CD-ROM contains National Archives draft registration maps, giving local board numbers to help you find your ancestors quickly in the records.

3. Discovering Your Jewish Ancestors by Barbara Krasner-Khait (Heritage Quest). A perfect Hanukkah gift, Discovering Your Jewish Ancestors will inspire individuals and families to begin documenting and climbing their family tree. Using a step-by-step, easy to follow approach, Krasner-Khait takes you by the hand in exploring historical records, archives, libraries, Web sites and more. Woven into the instruction are tons of success stories that will motive and inspire. Learn about Jewish genealogical sources, surname changes, migration patters, Holocaust research, Jewish genetics and how to trace your medical pedigree.

From the December 2001 issue of Family Tree Magazine