4. Now you can think of certificates—do you have a copy of your own birth certificate? Where exactly did you put that marriage certificate? A key to good genealogy is organization. I keep a copy of all my certificates in a three-ring binder with archival-quality sheet protectors. [I keep the originals of my family's in a fire-proof box.] If you don’t have your certificate, then the easiest way to get it is either go down to the courthouse (if you live in your hometown) or write to the courthouse for it. And how do you get their address? There are several ways: call directory assistance and call (ask how much while you’ve got them on the line); look it up at the library’s reference desk—people will be happy to assist you—it’s their job; search on the internet—most counties have their info now online. Sometimes you can also order the certificate online (VitalChek is one reliable source linked to many county clerk sites) but that will usually cost you more than dealing directly with the courthouse.
5. Now you’ve got the certificate, take a good look at it. It is a primary source and after a couple of generations, those sources run out quick. Your birth certificate will list who your parents were, when and where you were born, etc. Well, your parents’ birth certificates will list the same information and their parents’ will list some basic information, too. You’d be surprised at the wide range of information you can gather off those birth, marriage, and death certificates. The information put on certificates differs from place to place, too, so don't be surprised if one birth certificate lists the father's occupation and another doesn't. When dealing with marriage certificates, ask about the marriage application, which will list more than the certificate itself. But what if you don’t know where your parents were born to write for theirs? Or what if their births weren’t recorded? Don’t worry…..in our next blog we will deal with other sources that may not come to mind right awa.
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