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*'''''Courthouses and archives.''''' Many of the original documents you will need are at state, county, and town courthouses and archives. While the Family History Library has many of these records on microfilm, additional records are available only at the courthouse. You can visit these record repositories or request photocopies of their records through correspondence. Very few archives will search the original documents for you, but, for a small fee, many will search an index and provide copies of the information they find. (See the “[[United States Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]]” section of this article for further information.) | *'''''Courthouses and archives.''''' Many of the original documents you will need are at state, county, and town courthouses and archives. While the Family History Library has many of these records on microfilm, additional records are available only at the courthouse. You can visit these record repositories or request photocopies of their records through correspondence. Very few archives will search the original documents for you, but, for a small fee, many will search an index and provide copies of the information they find. (See the “[[United States Archives and Libraries|Archives and Libraries]]” section of this article for further information.) | ||
*'''''Genealogical and Historical Societies.''''' Many counties and states have genealogical and historical societies that collect family and local histories, Bible records, cemetery records, genealogies, manuscripts, newspapers, and records of pioneers. Some societies are able to briefly search their records for you. (See also the “[[United States Societies|Societies]]” section of this article.) | *'''''Genealogical and Historical Societies.''''' Many counties and states have genealogical and historical societies that collect family and local histories, Bible records, cemetery records, genealogies, manuscripts, newspapers, and records of pioneers. Some societies are able to briefly search their records for you. (See also the “[[United States Societies|Societies]]” section of this article.) | ||
*'''''Professional researchers.''''' You can employ private researchers to search the records for you | *'''''Professional researchers.''''' You can employ private researchers to search the records for you. Local archives, libraries, and societies may also provide the names of individuals in the area who will search records for you. For more information about professional researchers see the [[Hiring a Professional Researcher|Hiring a Professional Genealogist Resource Guide]] Wiki article. | ||
*'''''Publishers.''''' You can purchase records from their publishers if the records are still in print. A local book dealer or library can help you identify and contact publishers. A helpful list of genealogical publishers and publications is: | *'''''Publishers.''''' You can purchase records from their publishers if the records are still in print. A local book dealer or library can help you identify and contact publishers. A helpful list of genealogical publishers and publications is: | ||
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*'''''Bookstores.''''' Some bookstores carry newer family history books. Often you can obtain out-of-print books from the very large bookstores. For a small fee they can advertise nationwide for old books. | *'''''Bookstores.''''' Some bookstores carry newer family history books. Often you can obtain out-of-print books from the very large bookstores. For a small fee they can advertise nationwide for old books. | ||
When requesting any of the above services through correspondence, you are more likely to be successful if your letter is brief and very specific. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). You will usually need to send a check or money order to pay in advance for photocopy or search services, although some organizations will bill you later. | When requesting any of the above services through correspondence, you are more likely to be successful if your letter is brief and very specific. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). You will usually need to send a check or money order to pay in advance for photocopy or search services, although some organizations will bill you later. | ||
=== Suggestions for Searching the Records === | === Suggestions for Searching the Records === | ||