Genealogical Research

There are dozens of free genealogical resources on the Internet waiting to be discovered and used by the savvy researcher. One of my favorites is Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness, a web site of volunteers who do lookups in centers close to home for researchers who generally live farther away.

Established in 1999, RAOGK has volunteers all over the U.S., and internationally as well. They have helped thousands of people conduct research without the expense of travel or hiring a professional researcher. These services are ideal for those who need simple lookups, photographs of tombstones, or other requests that are brief and relatively simple. Volunteers generally charge only for the costs they incur (e.g. postage or copying fees), and not for the time spent fulfilling a researcher’s request. I have used RAOGK several times, and have always been satisfied with the thoroughness and kindness of the volunteers.

Please read through the pertinent F.A.Q.s before volunteering or requesting the help of a volunteer. Remember that these individuals are helping you without compensation, so treat them with respect and courtesy. If you need in depth research in a locale to which you cannot travel, it might be better to hire a professional genealogist. If, however, your research needs can be filled quickly and easily, RAOGK is the way to go.

Good luck with your research!

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