“Now” being the operative word! Since early in our genealogy careers, we all probably have had a favorite checklist of sources as a constant reminder of all the types of records that will provide the answers we need. It is our task to determine what “resources” will lead us to those records.  We are beginning to realize “now” how the digital world continues to offer us unique and developing ways to approach those familiar resources we have loved.  Our genealogy research world is fast evolving, making continuing education a true constant for us.  Let’s look at my Top Six favorites as we see how current technology is working its magic on them and how we can best allocate our personal finances by using the free vs. the increasingly expensive commercial products.

Linda B. MacIver is an educator, lecturer, librarian, and genealogy researcher. She retired from a 27- year career at the Boston Public Library Research Library, where she inaugurated many patron genealogy classes, including a beginners’ genealogy course, two popular seasons of Local and Family History lectures,  and a Genealogy Summer Lecture series. Linda is the past Secretary and Civil Federal Records Director for the Massachusetts Genealogical Council and a member of several New England and international genealogical societies. She serves as the New England Representative for the Essex (England!) Record Office. She has a BA in History from the University of New Hampshire, an MEd from Boston University, and earned her MSLIS at Simmons College. Linda was the 2018 recipient of the Richard S. Lackey Scholarship to the Genealogical Institute for Federal Records (GEN-FED) and the inaugural recipient of the 2019 Senior at the Center of Excellence Award sponsored by Xerox Corporation and the City of Boston.