I have collected genealogical reference books over the years. Though I search for information on the internet and relevant websites more now than compared to the past, they continue to prove invaluable resources.
The photograph introducing this blog is of my late parent’s, Dorothy (Lima) and Joseph (Perri) Perry on their July 23, 1947 wedding day. The following two books helped me learn about family history.
Finding Your Canadian Ancestors: A Beginner’s Guide. Sherry Irvine and David Obee
A comprehensive reference on Canadian genealogical records, this book is part of a series that explores Irish, Swedish, African American, German and Mexican roots. There are sections on each province, Library and Archives Canada, Immigration, The Aboriginals, The Acadians and Vital Records. Websites, bibliographies, charts, maps and sample documents are also featured. Historical timelines establish a guiding framework and a detailed index enables quick access to information contained. “Appendix B: Pay Attention To The Hazards” discusses pitfalls regarding names, places, boundaries, dates and sources.
Ancestry’s Concise Genealogical Dictionary. Maurine and Glen Harris.
This book is a comprehensive guide to technical terms that are fundamental to the research process. According to its Preface, “The words included in this guide may be found in apprentice, church, census, tax, land, naturalization, immigration, and medical records, as well as in deeds, probates, civil registrations, and poll books.” Entries are organized alphabetically in a simple to follow format and the publication’s practicality is enhanced by the inclusion of a bibliography and section on abbreviations.
This form helped me record basic information about my late mother and father.
