Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness

A Website Review

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I discovered a new source for finding information physically when what you need is not yet on-line. It is an online website full of volunteers – usually on site – willing to help you find what you might need. Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness is a website full of volunteers from around the globe, willing to help a genealogist out.

I came across RAOGK from reading through other genealogical blogs. I had never come across it before, so I decided to check it out. The site includes State Guides for the USA that include tidbits about who came first to the area and when Europeans started arriving. The state’s counties are listed with links as well, that also include when the and how the county was formed. They also list when the county Court House was destroyed and where you might find records you need.

For example: My husbands family settled in Jasper County, Texas right around the time it became a state. I see that the County Courthouse was destroyed by fire in 1849 and all records were destroyed in that fire. Now I know that anything I might need from the time they arrived, to 1849 will not be available. This is helpful information.

There are also links to Vital records, the books on the county, and much more. There is a link to see historical maps as well. I can now link this page on a Pinterest Board for this site of the family for easy reference.

Unfortunately, I do not currently see a Volunteer for Jasper County to ask for a look up if I needed one. But that is okay, because this site has a lot of other useful information for me to dig through in our quest. I will also check out other counties and states where our ancestors were to see what I can find out.

One can also sign up to be a volunteer. There are helpful guides and rules to follow before you decide to help out. I know that I do not have the time to do look ups right now, so now is not a good time for me to help out. One day, I hope to be able to pay it forward because I have had others help me out occasionally.

So go check out this great resource and pass it on so others can take advantage or help out as well!