City directories are indispensable tools for genealogists, but they go far beyond just listing your ancestor’s address. They connect an ancestor to a certain place in time and lead to a multitude of sources and present a fuller picture of your ancestors’ lives. In this course, we’ll explore city directories and their applications so you can fully take advantage of this comprehensive source.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
- How to locate city directories online and in archives
- Meanings of common abbreviations and symbols
- How to use city directories to create a picture of your ancestor’s neighborhood
- Tricks for searching directories online
Tuition:
$99.99 ($89.99 for VIP)
Course Length:
4 Weeks
Instructor:
Diana Crisman Smith
Start Date:
View upcoming course schedule for dates.
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE
- Family researchers who haven’t yet located their families in city directories
- Genealogists who need help navigating online databases
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: REQUIREMENTS & SUPPLIES
- Access to a library, historical or genealogical society nearby or in the geographic area of your research. In-person access is preferable but not required. All assignments can be completed through online, e-mail or phone contact.
Outline
Lesson 1: Introduction and Orientation
- Origins and Purposes of City Directories
- Procedures for compiling city directories
- Exploring the Directories
- Complexity
- Alphabetic listings
- Abbreviations and symbols
- Occupational and legal terminology
- Location of residents
- “Missing” names
- Accuracy
- Annexation and Suburban Directories
- Locating Directories
- Exercise
Lesson 2: Delving Deeper into Directories
- Business Listings in the Alphabetical Section
- Cluster Genealogy
- Occupation
- Location
- Index to Advertisers
- Case study: Fontayne and Porter
- Clubs and Organizations
- Location
- Maps
- Street names
- Street descriptions
- Reverse street indexes
- Description of the Community
- Miscellaneous Information
- Rural Areas
- Exercise
Lesson 3: Electronic Access
- Online City Directory Providers
- Volunteers
- Libraries
- Commercial Databases
- Finding Directories
- Online Search Features
- Indexes, abstracts and transcriptions
- Challenges
- Strategies
- Simple scans
- Challenges
- Strategies
- Scans with sophisticated search options
- Challenges
- Strategies
- Indexes, abstracts and transcriptions
- Exercise
Lesson 4: Using City Directories as a Launching Pad
- City Directories and the US Census
- Geographic strategy
- Manufacturing/Industry Census Schedules
- Substitute Birth Certificates
- Marriage Records
- Deeds
- Death Records
- Exercise