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Tips for 1st trip to National Archives

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DaveatHove

DaveatHove Report 12 Mar 2009 16:32

The research guides are the best thing to look at for specific search areas and there is a section on the website on how to prepare for your first visit.

The staff are helpful but often busy. I have found it a pleasant experience and have usually been able to find information, whether on microfiche or in original records. My main interest has been on the Merchant Navy but have looked up all sorts of other records.

A useful tip is to learn how to search the "Catalogue". If you have an uncommon name, type it in and look through all the responses. I found a completely unexpected copyright photo that my great grandfather took in 1892.

The only downside I have met is trying to print out microfilm.

David

Researching:
Faulks (South Wales) plus Picken and Stewart in Scotland

StillTrying

StillTrying Report 12 Mar 2009 15:53

Thanks for all your advice.
I'm looking forward to my visit there as i'm hoping that i'll be able to solve a family mystery which has been bugging me for a while. I’ve done as much research as I can online and I’m hoping this trip will find the missing pieces in my puzzle. Fingers crossed!
Thanks again.

was plain ann now annielaurie

was plain ann now annielaurie Report 12 Mar 2009 14:25

Do as much research as you can before you go! Make sure you know exactly what you want to look for and look at their research guides on the website to make sure the records are available there, and the references you'll need to look at

Angela

Angela Report 12 Mar 2009 13:53

It's really a case of not wasting the available time
1. Take a list of what you're hoping to look up.
2. If you're not sure where to look then ask rather than wasting time meandering about - the staff are v. helpful.
3. If you're planning on looking at the 1911 census then remember that you have to book your slot when you arrive and you only get an hour, so take a detailed list of people to search for. If it's quiet you can get another hour though.
4.They have a help desk where you can ask for advice about specific problems.
Have a good day.
Angela

Gwyn in Kent

Gwyn in Kent Report 12 Mar 2009 13:30

Do you know what you hope to find and do you know that the records are held there?
I can imagine it is very bewildering,...I've not been, .. so have you looked online at any of the help downoads which might help you make best use of your time?

Gwyn

StillTrying

StillTrying Report 12 Mar 2009 13:00

Hi All
This is my 1st post, although i have often read these boards for tips with my family research.
I am going to be making my 1st trip up to the National Archives in London next week.
I was just wondering if anybody had any advice they could share with me as to what to expect and how easy the records are to find and use.
I have visited my local achives centre in Hertford a few times so have some understanding of how to find records there.
But was just wondering if anyone had any tips for this trip?
Any help or advice will be most helpful.
Many thanks