In this list in the series I will highlight some books about record types or regions within the United States. There are books that exist for just about every state and just about every type of record, so this list does not aim to be comprehensive. The idea is to suggest some that impacted me, and for the reader to understand the value of these types of books.
The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy. 4th Edition ($50)
This is my favorite general guide to United States research. It gives great insight into many different record types, and how they are used in research. Other general topics are covered as well.
Your Guide to the Federal Census ($7-45)
Digging for Genealogical Treasure in New England Town Records ($27+)
These guides are examples of books on a specific record type. Such guides, like the following types of guides, can be more than worth the investment of money and time to read them. Specialized guides typically contain insights about specific records or regions that even a genealogist who has some experience will not have gleaned from their own experience.
New York Family History Research Guide and Gazetteer ($90) https://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/publications/nyfhrgg
This is an exemplary example of textbook-sized guides that give an in-depth view of genealogy research in a specific state. Guides this large on specific states are rare, but almost all states have genealogical guides available of a more moderate length. Your favorite guides will of course depend on which state you are most interested in. If you want to earn the Accredited Genealogist® credential from ICAPGen, it is advisable to obtain such guides for all the states in your intended region of specialty. Many state guides can be found as part of the National Genealogical Society’s research in the states series at https://ngsmembers.ngsgenealogy.org/books/ngs-books…
FamilyTree Magazine also sells short guides on each state. Click here for the list of available guides.
FamilyTree Magazine also sells short guides on each state. Click here for the list of available guides.
New York City Municipal Archives: An Authorized Guide for Family Historians ($35) https://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/publications/muni
Another type of useful genealogical book is the type that focuses on a single archive. This type is less common, but well worth considering when you have a brick-wall problem in a certain area. This guide to the New York City Municipal Archives is a stand-out example.
New York Probate Records, A Genealogist's Guide to Testate and Intestate Records ($28-30) https://amzn.to/2E0N1L3
Pennsylvania Land Records: A History and Guide for Research ($40+)
These are examples of another category of book: those that discuss a specific record type within a specific state or smaller location. Like guides on specific archives, a researcher seeking advanced specialization should keep an eye out for guides like these.
Click through one of the links and search Amazon for other record types or states that have a genealogy guide. Try the name of the state or topic plus the word genealogy.
Disclaimer: It is my hope that this list helps you. That said, it takes time and expertise to provide these useful resource lists. Please use the provided links to make any purchases, as Amazon or FamilyTree Magazine will send me a small percentage and it wont affect the price you pay. Opinions are not influenced by this arrangement.
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