Research Tips

RESEARCH TIP # 1

Have you made use of the SEARCH function?  We recommend that you use only a last name in your search.  It, of course, will bring up many items that will not fit your search, but will avoid missing the person you want because that person used initials rather than a full first name.  You may also find brothers, sisters,or cousins that may help your search.

 

RESEARCH TIP #2

A great aid in finding people in 18th century (1700's) Vermont are Volumes 8 - 11 of the State Papers of  Vermont, which contain local petitions from the years 1778-1799. The State Papers of Vermont can be found in most major libraries. 

Each volume has a name index and each petition is dated. Thus, you can place a person (mostly adult males) in a certain town at a certain time.  In many cases this is the only existing record which can give this information.

 

RESEARCH TIP #3

Thousands of books are available to read or download to your computer. Search for “internet archive”. Select “internet archive”. Select “texts”. In the search box (above left) type in “Rutland, Vermont”. This will give you a long list of rare and out-of-print books related to Rutland’s history. Select a book. To read one, select “read online” on the left. Use arrows on right above to turn the pages. Enlarge by using zoom on left above. Select “PDF” to download a searchable PDF file. To download click the“save” icon on the toolbar (second icon on the left) and select a location or folder on your computer to store the download.

 

You can also go to “advanced search” to the right of “go” and enter a keyword(s) to search. For example, how many family genealogies can you find by searching for your family name? The more you explore and search these texts the more you will be struck by the wonder of it all.