Planning a Research Trip

As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Or something like that. And in the world of genealogy research, it is especially true.

In general, a research plan is a roadmap to take you from a question to a conclusion. And as any good map or GPS navigation, it will keep you on track and not wandering down side streets and rabbit holes.

But a research trip requires special planning beyond that research plan – especially if you are going to be travelling out of town or out of state.

1. Repository website – this is your first stop in planning. What are the hours for the location you are going to? Do they have parking and how much is it? Do they have photocopying or scanning services and how much is it? Can they scan to a USB drive? Are laptops, smartphones, or other devices allowed in the research area? Are gloves required? The questions to ask about the location can be endless. But this is important, because what if the location only allows a notebook and pencil? Or they’re closed for renovations? Know before you go.
2. Catalog – While you’re on that website, see if they have a catalog of their collections and archives. Use this to create your research plan for the day.
3. Join the Facebook group for the county or area. Ask the locals what shouldn’t be missed or what may help your research.
4. Call ahead to the repository. Even if you have scoured the website, read every forum, it is still a good idea to call ahead and speak to a librarian or archivist. Websites may not be updated or maybe there is a local holiday and they will be closed. Currently, what are COVID-protocols for the area? They may not even be open to researchers. Take this time to discuss what you are researching and see if there are materials not cataloged, or if a particular collection needs to be taken from storage ahead of time – these are all things to find out ahead of time.
5. Check the weather. Winter in the Midwest can be unpredictable. In planning a trip recently from the Chicago area to Wisconsin, I had to look at the weather in the week ahead – which threatened a snowstorm.

Good luck on your next research trip!