| | helpful and check them periodically. Once you get started, the resources are endless. You never know where you may find references to your ancestors!
As a word of caution to researchers, sharing your family history information on the Internet is not entirely safe. Be wary of joining on-line organizations or using “forums” to post surname inquiries with your email address. Many genealogical sites are being hacked and the result is unwanted email spam, or worse, identity theft. A good rule of thumb is: never post any information related to living family members. Another place to exercise caution is fee-based services. Many organizations like Ancestry.com require a subscription fee for a year's membership. These can be costly to join so start with the free sites and see what you can find on your own. Whether you join a fee-based service or not, never input a credit card number to an unsecured website!
If you reach a point where you have exhausted your research on the Internet, check your local resources. Start with the Portville Historical and Preservation Society and check out our archives, then visit the Olean Library, where you will find many of the state census records (check their website for a listing), and other local groups such as the Allegany Area Historical Assn, Ellicottville Historical Society and Museum, and others. The Family History Library's branch facilities, Family History Centers (FHC), are also a great resource and are located everywhere. Worldwide addresses can be searched for at the Family Search FHC webpage or check the Genealogy Home Page. These centers have access to any existing microfilm census records as well as many historical texts. Olean has an FHC at 1935 Windfall Road.
In order to keep all your genealogy information organized, you may want to consider investing in a software package for your computer, such as Family Tree Maker. As your tree grows, the huge number of names and dates can make sorting it very difficult. Family tree software is a filing system to sort all of your information in a way that makes it easy to find. This makes it much less confusing, especially when you find that your family liked to use the same names, generation after generation. It is a good idea to look for a free trial membership as a part of the package. Ancestry.com often offers various free memberships with Family Tree Maker packages.
If you still need additional assistance getting started with your research, contact us. With all these resources at your fingertips, you will be climbing your family tree in no time! Good luck!
The Portville Historical and Preservation Society
|
Portville, NY 14770
www.portvillehistory.org
|
Portville, New York
Chestnut Hill Cemetery Directory
This page was last updated on 02/28/2013
|