Dr. Deborah A. Abbott, PhD “Using City Directories in Genealogical Research”
In genealogy research City Directories are often used to track ancestors between the U.S. Federal Census years. They become especially important between 1880 to 1900 years due to the loss of the 1890 census records. Even though the residential listings are the most used part of the directory, there are many other ways to incorporate city directories into your genealogy research. This presentation will introduce you to the many sections of a city directory and how to use them along with residential listings and other sources. Learn not only how to trace your family through the years, but also about the city or rural community in which they lived, places where they worked, schools they may have attended, etc. Learn how to identify family migration patterns, which can add depth to your family history while providing research clues that may help solve brick walls.
Cleveland native, Deborah A. Abbott, PhD, is an active professional genealogist specializing in genealogical methodology, manuscript collections, and African American family research. She belongs to many local and national genealogical groups, is a frequent speaker around the country and author. She is a familiar face to LCGS members and has inspired many of us to “dig deeper” and “follow the facts”. We are honored to host her again!
