Introduction to Genealogy

    While many diverse groups visit NARA's facilities nationwide  
  and sample the agency's records, genealogists no doubt are      
  the most numerous users of NARA's research rooms in             
  Washington, DC, and the 12 regional archives.  NARA,            
  therefore, continues to make special efforts to satisfy the     
  needs of genealogists. 

     A.  Genealogy holdings

         NARA offers the public many free general information
         leaflets (GILS) regarding its records of genealogical    
         value.  A discussion below briefly describes the four    
         GILS of most importance to genealogists.  Also, NARA
         distributes Aids for Genealogical Research, a free
         brochure describing NARA or commercial works that focus  
         on genealogy.  This brochure, for example, briefly
         explains NARA's three most important genealogical
         holdings--census, military, and immigration and
         passenger records--discussed below; notes mail-order
         forms and genealogy workshops and courses; and lists
         NARA's 12 regional archives.

         Copies of the GILS and sales brochure are available in   
         the National Archives Building, Room G-9.  Or,           
         researchers may contact NARA's Fulfillment Center        
         (NEDC), 8700 Edgeworth Drive, Capitol Heights,
         MD  20743-3701.  Phone:  301-763-1896 ie 1-800-788-6282/
         fax 301-763-6025.  

         (1)  GILs at NIH

              The four GILS of most importance to genealogists    
              include Using Records in the National Archives for  
              Genealogical Research, GIL No. 5; Military Service  
              Records in the National Archives of the United      
              States, GIL No. 5; Select List of Publications of   
              the National Archives and Records Administration,   
              GIL No. 3; and Information about the National       
              Archives for Prospective Researchers, GIL
              No. 30.  The last focuses on research in the
              National Archives Building in Washington, DC.

         (2)  Comprehensive guide and microfilm catalog

              [a] Guide to Genealogical Research in the National
                  Archives
              [b] National Archives Microfilm Resources for       
                  Research:  A Comprehensive Catalog






          (3)  Three major kinds of records and their microfilm   
               catalogs

               [a] Census records and four microfilm catalogs

                   [1]  1790-1890
                   [2]  1900
                   [3]  1910
                   [4]  1920

               [b] Military records and the microfilm catalog

               [c] Immigration and passenger records and the      
                   microfilm catalog
 
     B.  Genealogy workshops and courses

         NARA offers the public a comprehensive program of 
         genealogical workshops and courses each year.  Topics
         include an introduction to genealogy and research into
         records such as census schedules, military service and
         pension records, and passenger lists.  For information   
         about workshops and courses in Washington, DC, 
         researchers should request the Calendar of Events by
         writing to NARA's Public Affairs Staff (NXI),            
         Washington, DC  20408.  Phone:  (202) 501-5525.  
         The 12 regional archives conduct separate genealogy
         programs.  For details, the public should write to the   
         regional archives listed in Aids for Genealogical
         Research.