Getting the Most out of Archives, Libraries and Repositories

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Knowing which archives, courthouses, and libraries to use for your family research can be difficult and intimidating. Then, figuring out your way through the vast array of books, manuscripts, and files to get to the information you seek can be completely overwhelming. This presentation discusses the different types of repositories for genealogy research. You will discover the best strategies to efficiently find the family information you need and learn tips on the best ways to get help from archivists, librarians, and county clerks. Learn how to develop a game plan even before you walk through the door of the research facility. You will also discover the wealth of unique genealogy resources in the Greater Philadelphia Area.

  Sydney Cruice Dixon

Sydney F. Cruice Dixon is a professional genealogist, writer, and lecturer practicing in the Mid-Atlantic Region. She holds an MBA from Drexel University and a BA from Penn State University. She is current President of the Association of Professional Genealogists for the Greater Philadelphia Area Chapter, and serves on the Genealogy Advisory Committee for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. She developed the curriculum and teaches the Foundations of Genealogy courses at the Historical Society and is a member of its faculty for the Researching Family in Pennsylvania Institute.

In 2017, Sydney cofounded the Greater Philadelphia Genealogy Consortium, an organization that encourages growth and cooperation between genealogy and historical organizations in the greater Philadelphia area (currently 29 member organizations).

Last October, the National Genealogical Society featured her article, “A Family Secret: Desertion, Scurvy, and President Lincoln” as the cover story for NGS Magazine. She has also appeared on the local NBC-10 news television station with Randy Gyllenhaal discussing DNA testing kits.