The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy. By Val D. Greenwood. Published by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc.; 3600 Clipper Mill Road; Suite 229; Baltimore, MD 21211;  http://www.genealogical.com/ ; 2017. ISBN 978-0-8063-2066-3. Paperback, $59.95. “Read Greenwood from cover to cover—several times or until you feel you have well learned its content” - Elizabeth Shown Mills Elizabeth Shown Mills' advice is for genealogists making the transition from genealogy as a hobby  to genealogy as a profession.  However, I believe it is good advice for all genealogists – beginning as well as seasoned professionals.   The Researcher’s Guide is both a textbook and a reference manual. The topics range from planning research to detailed explanations of various records; how to find them and how to use them.  It was first published in 1973, and Greenwood has updated and kept it current over the ensuing forty years.  At first glance, its 738 pages seem daunting, but it is ve

It is the time of year when we think about setting goals for the New Year.   How many timeshave we resolved to lose weight, go to the gym regularly, call Mom every week, or any number of other things.   I always have a goal of reading 50 books a year.   Some years I do better than others.   This year looks like it will be about 31 or 32.   Not too bad, but I could do better.   I listed 19 things that I wanted to accomplish in 2019, and I must admit that I did not do very well.   As I reflect on this performance, or lack of same, I have resolved to take a different approach in 2020.   After setting my overall goals for 2020, I am going to break them into monthly goals and do a monthly review, so that I do not get so hopelessly behind that I just give up. I’m particularly thinking about my genealogy goals for 2020.   Many of you know that I want to become a Certified Genealogist.   Before the end of 2020, I will “go on the clock”.   What that means is that I will have one