Have you ever wondered what documents does the United States National Archives have that can help you locate your ancestors? This PDF document might just have the answer for you. It is a 63 page document describing the Civilian Records that they have in their possession and might be of help to you in your genealogical research. I know that for me researching the National Archives is out of the question due to my location but you never know. Maybe one day you or I get to go over and do some digging around.
This PDF book was written back in 2006 and might also provide valuable clues as to what to search on the website of the National Archives. Just thinking out loud, since I have yet to do such search myself. You never know maybe these collections are available online, for sure the border crossings are and also the censuses, at familysearch.org. This booklet will give you an idea of how to use them or what you can expect to find in those collections.
As usually, the link to download this free eBook is at the very end of the post. Before you go there here is a bit more information about this eBook.
Here is the cover of the eBook:
In case that you are wondering here is a listing of what you can expect to find in this eBook:
Genealogical Research
Before Visiting the National Archives
Using the National Archives
Finding Aids
Federal CensusÂ
Population Census Schedules
Soundex Indexes
Soundex Coding Guide
Enumeration District Maps
Nonpopulation Census Schedules, 1850–80
Immigration
U.S. Customs Service
Immigration and Naturalization
East Coast Ports
Gulf Coast Ports
Mexican Border Crossings
Pacific Coast Ports
Canadian Border Crossings
Alien Files
Arrival Records and Crew Lists, 1957–82
Chinese Exclusion, 1882–1943
Naturalization
Passport ApplicationsÂ
Visa Applications,1914–40Â
Seamen’s Protection CertificatesÂ
Public LandÂ
Civilian EmployeesÂ
Official Register of the United States
Application, Recommendation, and
Appointment Records
Official Personnel Files
Residents of the District of Columbia
American IndiansÂ
African AmericansÂ
Slavery
Federal Censuses
Southern Claims Commission
Freedman’s Savings and Trust
War Relocation Authority
Japanese Internments
American Overseas TerritoriesÂ
Where to Find Vital StatisticsÂ
National Archives OnlineÂ
National Archives Regional FacilitiesÂ
Contacting the National ArchivesÂ
You can download this free eBook using the following link:
I hope that you find this resource useful and or informative. Let me know in the comments section what you think about it and or how this might help you out in your research.