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Subject: [REED-L] Genealogical Data
Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001 12:12:38 EST

Scott has asked our opinions regarding Ancestry.com, GenealogyLibrary.com and
NEHGS. I am a subscriber to all three and a trustee of NEHGS.

I find Ancestry.com and GenealogyLibrary.com great resources for finding
hidden mentions of ancestors in various genealogies, local histories and
other data bases. Their shortcomings are that only a small portion of
published works are included and very few original sources. The bulk of
genealogical data is still buried in those microfilm reels of original deeds,
probate records and church records. Also the online resources are very
difficult to use when researching a common name such as John Reed. There are
too many references. They are great for finding references to unusual names
such as Ahab Read.

At NEHGS the web site has a lot of useful information for members but look
for significant additions in the next two years. However the real benefits of
NEHGS are its library of 200,000 books, 40,000 reels of microfilm and large
manuscript collection in Boston together with the largest group of prominent
genealogical scholars in the country. For those not able to travel to
Boston, the 30,000 volume circulating library and regional seminars are
available to members. The new magazine, New England Ancestors, has proven a
great hit. I read the scholarly New England Historical and Genealogical
Register not because the articles mention my ancestors, but because the
footnotes help me discover new sources.

Richard H. Benson

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