A review of Family Tree Pocket Reference, 2nd Edition; by Diane Haddad & Family Tree Editors
Originally published in 2010, this second edition of Family Tree’s popular “Pocket Reference” has been updated for 2013. This is one of those books that you will want to keep at hand when you do your research – at your desk or on the road. It’s loaded with information that can help you “as you research.”
At the writing of this review, I’ve had a copy of the new updated edition for about two weeks, and I find that I’m turning to it regularly – and I’ve been doing genealogy research for over 30 years. I recommend it.
The following is from the Table of Contents:
Introduction
How to Use This Book
Chapter 1: Research Basics
- Genealogy Glossary
- Insider’s Guide to Genealogy Acronyms
- Genealogy Abbreviations
- Court Records Lingo
- Filling Out an Ancestor Chart and Family Group Sheet
- 20 Must-Ask Oral History Questions
- Spotting Errors in Your Family Tree
- Major US Genealogical Societies
- 10 Go-to Genealogy Records
- 6 Genealogy Myths to Avoid
- Using a Relationship Chart
- Old Handwriting Styles
- Genealogy Records Checklist
Chapter 2: States
- US State Fast Facts
- US State Archives
- US Map
Chapter 3: Libraries and Archives
- 11 Key Genealogy Libraries and Archives
- Nationals Archives and Records Administration Regional Locations
- Tips for Requesting Genealogy Records
- Searching the Family History Library Catalog
- Sample Record Request Letter
- Online Digitized Family Histories
Chapter 4: Names
- Types of Surnames
- 16 Most Common US Surnames in 2000
- Tips for Researching Common Surnames
- Cultural Naming Traditions
- Nicknames and Variations for Popular Female Names
- Nicknames and Variations for Popular Male Names
Chapter 5: Online Genealogy
- Major Genealogy Research Sites
- Genealogy Social Terms
- Boolean Search Terms
- Google Search Hacks
- Google Quick Links
- FamilySearch Database Tricks
- Ancestry.com Hot Keys
Chapter 6: Computing
- Computer Keyboard Shortcuts
- Computer File Format Guide
- Genealogy Desktop Software Guide
- Genealogy Computing Resources
- Genealogy Smart Phone Apps
Chapter 7: Census
- Most Common Ancestries in the 2000 Census
- Historical US Population in Millions
- US Census Record Websites
- Online Census Search Tips
- Questions in the Census
- Census Questions by Category
- Non-Population Censuses
- Official Census Dates
- The Soundex Key
- The Lost Rule of Soundex
- Census Abbreviations
Chapter 8: Immigration
- US Immigrants by Country (1820 to 1975)
- Timeline of Immigration Laws
- Passenger List Availability for the Busies Ports
- Passenger List Notations and Abbreviations
- Records Available Through the USCIS Genealogy Service
Chapter 9: Military
- Timeline of US Military Conflicts
- War Records to Search for
- Major Genealogical Records Generated from US Wars
- Where to Look for US Military Records
- Military History Organizations
Chapter 10: Cemeteries
- Tombstone Symbolism
- Cemetery Research Dos and Don’ts
- Tombstone Materials Timeline
- Types of Cemeteries
- 4 Cemetery Search Tips
- Cemetery Research Resources
- 3 Steps to Photographing a Tombstone
Chapter 11: Genetic Genealogy
- Genetic Genealogy Testing Companies
- DNA Test Results Databases
- Types of Genetic Genealogy Tests
- Genetic Genealogy Myths
- DNA for Men and Women
- Genetic Genealogy Resources
Chapter 12: Geography
- Rectangular Survey System
- US Territorial Acquisition Timeline
- Major US Population Migrations
- Major US Migration Routes
- 10 Online Mapping Resources
Chapter 13: Social History
- Timeline of Inventions
- Timeline of Disasters
- Glossary of Archaic Occupations
- Glossary of Archaic Diseases
- Timeline of US Epidemics
- Typical Prices of Everyday Items
- Gregorian Calendar Adoption Dates by Country
Chapter 14: Photography
- Historical Photo Formats
- 6 Photo Preservation Tips
- 6 Photo ID Tips
- Sources of Family Photographs
- Writing Photo Captions
- Photo-Editing Tools
- Digital Photo Resolution Guide
Chapter 15: My Favorite References
Index
Family Tree Pocket Reference, 2nd Edition; by Diane Haddad & Family Tree Editors; Paper; 208 pp.; Published: 2013; 5×7; ISBN: 9781440334849; Item #: FNW08; MSRP: $14.99. Available for a limited time for $12.74 at the FRPC website. That’s 15% off MSRP. Purchase it for 25% off in the bundle with Tracing Your Ancestors Using Google by 12 PM EDT (Not MDT) Thursday, Oct. 24.
