PowerUp SIG

Power-Up SIG Notes: Planning a Genealogy Road Trip

Questions to ask yourself before you hit the road.

  • Where are you going?
    • Family
    • Archive/Library/Genealogy Society
    • Cemetery
    • Courthouse
    • Family homestead, house, town
  • What are your goals?
    • Pictures
    • Records
    • Interviews
  • How do you prepare?
    • Google to find websites
    • Call/email to ask questions & confirm hours and availability, rules, copy costs, policies about lockers, bags, pens, etc
    • Use online catalogs to make lists of things to research to save time onsite
    • Review what you know and what you need
    • Make a cheat sheet of surnames that might be relevant in area cemeteries, deeds, etc
    • Practice with your tools and apps
    • Turn on the GPS option on your camera or phone
    • Make a map
    • Pack lightly but completely
  • What do you take?
    • Camera
    • Batteries
    • Phone, computer and camera chargers
    • Scanner or app (CamScanner)
    • Paper notetaking supplies
    • Magnifier
    • Digital recorder or app
    • Change
    • Snacks
    • Directions & maps
    • Cemetery kit (flashlight, bug spray, water bottle, hat, first aid kit, buddy, umbrella, silver car shade, sturdy shoes or boots, tripod, whisk broom, grass clippers)
    • Computer/tablet
    • Research binder
    • Gifts
  • What do you do when you get home?
    • Thank you notes
    • Back up photos and scans
    • Evaluate, transcribe, enter data, etc
    • Make notes for next time
    • Plan next trip!

Resources: