These are all fine, and this session will discuss the material available. However, we are also going to examine cartographic records, post office records, treasury records and many others. We will talk about the use of the regional branches. The National Archives Institute on Genealogy will be mentioned. Understanding the land records system provides the insight to what means of acquisition and disposition were available to our ancestors, and status of the records.
Genealogists probably use census records more often than any other type of federal record.
The state census, mortality schedules and military pension census are some other areas discussed. Understanding what one reads on the census can provide clues which often evade the less observant researcher. Knowing the date the census was taken in a given area will help to more closely determine the actual age of an ancestor. This and much more is discussed in this most important session. Often called the most boring task of the genealogist, it often provides the most rewarding results.