Finding Your Roots: The Official Handbook For Heritage Hunters

by Jeane Eddy Westin, John J. Stewart (Introduction)

The Barnes & Noble Review
The process of searching for family background and history has become infinitely easier in the age of the Internet. Genealogical software and reams of information posted to the Web are just two of the computer-driven innovations that have helped amateur family historians in their quest to look back in time. Finding Your Roots is a fine guide for all those who want to look within the U.S. and abroad for answers to their family's historical questions. Databases are reviewed, programs are picked apart, and the best routes for overseas searching are traveled. Fully updated for the age in which the computer serves as a more-than-adequate supplement to the library stacks, the latest edition of Finding Your Roots will open up new doors for the family researcher.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Reference

291 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 1977

Reviews

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book, and I was pleasantly surprised that so much of the information was applicable, timely and relevant. Brilliant resources for various ethnic backgrounds and research needs. Suggestions for extensive searches, ways to claim family coat of arms, questions to ask

[Glenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding Your Roots was published in 1978, although my copy was printed somewhat later, and it is very dated. There is some good information here, although I would think you would want to verify every address.

For one example of the datedness of the book: Westin mentions that the latest United States Census of Population one could access was the 1900 census. That was true in 1978. Under the 72-year rule, the 1910 census only became available in 1982. As I write this, it is June of 2022, and the 1950 census became available in April of this year. Five additional censuses are now available to family researchers.

There was no Internet in 1978. No Ancestry.com. No DNA testing. I suspect that most of the government offices and genealogical societies referenced by Westin now have addresses on the Worldwide Web. You won't need to send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to get forms back from your sources. It's a different world to what it was in 1978.

There are some good points here, though. It is still useful to know that everything comes down to name, date, and place (and maybe event). Who, what, when, and where are the key pieces of information. Your ancestor John Smith was living in Charleston, West Virginia, in July of 1932. Your ancestor Hilda Lockett was married on June 22, 1858, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Those are the kinds of data points that create a family history.

I enjoyed rereading Finding Your Roots, but it's major value now was to let me know how much has changed.

[Jonathan]

None

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geneology has becomes a pasttime for many people. Westin gives tips on how and were to trace your ancestors.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful reference source.