Wales Archives and Libraries: Difference between revisions

In Wales, there are several types of repositories containing information of genealogical value. Archives collect and preserve original documents of organizations, such as churches or governments. Libraries generally collect published sources such as books, maps, and microfilm.  

This organization houses the Manorial Documents Register (see the "[[Wales Court Records|Court Records]]" section of this outline) and the National Register of Archives (NRA). The Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts has been working to inventory records that are in archives and private collections. The commission’s finding aid, the National Register of Archives (NRA) at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/, includes over 191,000 lists of manuscript collections and close to 5,000 finding aids and annual reports from various repositories. These lists are indexed. Searches can be made in these indexes via the Internet. The Family History Library has some of the published indexes. These indexes are divided into three sections by person, business, and organization. Look in the Author/Title Search of the Family History Library Catalog under "Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts." Also check the Locality Search under:  

The NRA may be used to learn about estate records that are in private hands and at various record offices. Many of the records described by the commission have changed hands since being examined. For information about the current location of records surveyed by the commission see:  

*Istance, Jean and E. E. Cann, comp. ''Researching Family History in Wales''. Birmingham: The Federation of Family History Societies (Publications) Ltd., 1996. (Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&callno=942.9+A3i British 942.9 A3i];)

*Mortimer, Ian, ed. ''Record Repositories in Great Britain''. 10th ed. Kew, Surrey: PRO Publications, 1997. (Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&callno=942+J54r British 942 J54r 1997])

*Henderson, S.P.A,. and A.J.W. Henderson, ed.''Directory of British Associations & Associations in Ireland''. 13th ed. Beckenham, Kent, England: CBD Research Ltd., 1996. (Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&callno=942+E4hd book 942 E4hd].)

*Pinhorn, Malcolm. Historical, ''Archaeological and Kindred Societies in the United Kingdom'' : ''A List''. Isle of Wight: Pinhorns, 1986. (Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=265369&disp=Historical%2C+archaeological+and+kindred%20%20&columns=*,0,0 book 942 C4h 1986];) An update to this book was published in 1995.

Most archives have publications that describe their collections and how to use them. If possible, study these guides before you visit or use the records so you can use your time more effectively. Many published inventories, guides, catalogs, and directories for archives and libraries are listed in the Family History Library Catalog under:  

For a microfiche collection of calendars and finding aids for many British archives, libraries, and museums, see the National Inventory of Documentary Sources in the United Kingdom and Ireland (NIDS) at http://www.proquest.com/products_umi/descriptions/National-Inventory-187.shtml. It provides a detailed listing of the boxes, folders, or sometimes individual documents contained in various collections.  

For more information on archives and libraries look in the Locality Search of the Family History Library Catalog under:  

=== External Links  ===

*Dyfed Archives Service: [http://www.archivesnetworkwales.info/cgi-bin/anw/search2?coll_id=1522&inst_id=30&term http://www.archivesnetworkwales.info/cgi-bin/anw/search2?coll_id=1522&inst_id=30&term]  

*Gwynedd County Record Office: http://www.archivesnetworkwales.info/cgi-bin/anw/desclist1_nofr?inst_id=27

== Sources  ==

[[Category:Wales]]