Calling all Genea-Musings Fans:
It’s Saturday Night again –
Time for some more Genealogy Fun!!
Your mission, should you decide to accept it (cue the Mission Impossible! music) is to:
1) What five reference books (and only 5) would you recommend to a beginning researcher to have on their bookshelf?
This is a HARD question—especially since I haven’t purchased a genealogy reference book in quite a few years! When I began my genealogy journey back in 1978, the first book recommended to me was the same one Randy listed as his #1 pick: The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy by Val Greenwood. I bought it and made a sincere effort to read it, but I have to admit—it didn’t really resonate with me at the time.
The reference book I used most often was The Handybook for Genealogists. It was my go-to for writing letters to county courthouses, as it not only provided addresses but also listed which records were housed in which offices. While Google can now provide courthouse addresses in seconds, it often can’t tell you which department holds what records—like whether marriage licenses are in the probate office or clerk’s office. Unfortunately, due to the rise of online resources, this book is no longer being updated, so I wouldn’t recommend it to today’s beginners.
So, what would I recommend to someone just beginning their genealogy journey? Here’s my updated list—books and beyond:
- Your DNA Guide: The Book by Diahan Southard
A step-by-step, beginner-friendly guide to understanding and working with DNA results. Easy to follow and extremely practical. - Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills
While it might seem overwhelming at first, it’s an essential reference for understanding the importance of citing your sources—and how to do it correctly.
Since we’re limiting this to five, and I don’t rely on many books these days, I’d round out my list with three key resources I believe every beginner should explore:
- Join a local genealogy society
The support, networking, and knowledge you gain from fellow researchers can be invaluable. - Subscribe to a genealogy magazine (like Family Tree Magazine)
Regular articles can introduce you to new tools, techniques, and inspiration. - Watch YouTube channels, read blogs, and attend virtual events like RootsTech
The genealogy community is vibrant and generous online. You can learn a lot by following experienced researchers and staying up to date.
Books are important, but the best tool a beginning genealogist can have is curiosity—and a willingness to keep learning.