The collection of cards listing other researchers and the surnames and families they were researching was also extremely helpful. Making a visit to its Web page beforehand saved me from wasting my trip. Things to Remember Not all historical societies have the materials these societies do. Not all historical societies have collections of genealogical material. Some historical societies require you to be a member before you can utilize the collection.
Collections vary a great deal from one historical society to another.
The only way to find out what is in a collection is to visit it for yourself or to ask around. Some society Web pages may not accurately describe the collection. Most societies have volunteer staff whose genealogical skills may still be in development. Most societies do not research via e-mail. Examine the USGenWeb Page for the county of interest.