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Keep these genealogy books on your shelf!

The following genealogy books are reference works I feel belong on the bookshelves of every beginning genealogist. For hard-to-find books or just the best price check out Ebay or Alibris.com.

Genealogy as Pastime and Profession, Second Edition

  • by Donald Lines Jacobus

    • This classic genealogy book is a must read for all beginning genealogists. One of the first works to treat genealogy as both a serious pastime and profession, it covers research methods, the evaluation of evidence and methods for compiling a family history. The author also discusses common mistakes beginners make as well as the pitfalls all researchers face along the way.

    Cite your sources!

  • Elizabeth Shown Mills

    • Let me say it again! Don't forget to cite your sources! If this seems like a daunting task I recommend you grab a copy of Elizabeth Shown Mills genealogy book "Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian". You'll reach for this slim 124 page book again and again as you ponder such questions as: "How do I cite a tombstone or that online census that mentions Grandpa Jones?" These are just two of the over 300 models the author provides for citing traditional sources and not so traditional sources like online databases and e-mail documents. Mills also includes samples of how to cite your sources on pedigree and family tree charts. This book is well worth your investment.

    Ancestry's Red Book

  • Ancestry

    • Researchers with an interest in American records will find Ancestry's Red Book indispensable. Organized by State and County this genealogy book provides detailed information on records for every county in the United States. An added bonus are the very useful maps by William Dollarhide.

    Managing a Genealogical Project

  • William Dollarhide

    • Developing a system to manage the mountains of paper you will soon accumulate is essential to your success. This book from author William Dollarhide offers you some interesting ideas on how to accomplish this.

    The book is comprised of four sections and considers the following:

  • Genealogy projects - pedigrees, lineages and descendancies.

  • Methods for organizing your research notes

  • Cross-referencing research notes for easy retrieval and evaluation

  • Outlines three types of projects - pedigrees, lineages and descendancies.

  • Three main numbering systems: the Riegister, Record, and Henry systems.

    • The author also discusses the use of software in the management of your genealogical information.

    In search of your Canadian Roots

  • Angus Baxter

    • Author, Angus Baxter, has published a number of beginners guides that include "In Search of your Canadian Roots", "In Search of Your British and Iris Roots" and "In Search of Your European Roots". Clearly written and easy to understand all of his books are jam-packed with useful tips and tricks for beginners, like yourself, or maybe friends who need a refresher course.

    Newcomers should also consider the following titles:

  • Genealogical & Local History Books in Print 5th Edition Family History Volume by Marian Hoffman

  • The Library of Congress: A Guide to Genealogical and Historical Researchby James C. Neagles, Mark C. Neagles

  • International Vital Records Handbook by Thomas Jay Kemp

  • American Passenger Arrival Records A Guide to the Records of Immigrants by Michael Tepper

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