On days when I can't do much of anything but lay around, it is hard to feel helpful in anyway to society. A few years ago, I was introduced to Indexing. What is Indexing? Basically, it is where you help record world wide records such as census, birth, marriage, death reports, etc.
Last night I recorded a batch of fifty names that were from the early 1900's. A census report from Indiana, USA. I get a kick out of recording the married couples ages. Apparently back then, they weren't as wrapped up in age as we are today!
For those who are interested in their family history, a lot of times they look to these records to find their ancestors. When we Index them, they are made available on the web. How cool is that? There are hundreds and hundreds of folks like you and me sitting at their computers everyday Indexing. Trying to get these reports published so we can find our ancestors.
Wanna do a test drive? Here is a link:
https://indexing.familysearch.org/newuser/testdrive/testdrive.jsf
Who knows, you might come across a name you recognize. A few weeks ago, I came across an Italian name and their immigration records to the USA. It was the same last name as some Italian neighbors of ours back in Montana while growing up. Makes me wonder if they are related........ Kind of fun!
Indexers are needed from all over the world. There are a lot of records out there that need recording. Do we get paid for this? No, not in monetary value, but it sure leaves me with a warm place in my heart knowing that maybe a name I typed might be the link someone is looking for in helping them to find their ancestors.
I know how to get in touch with those Italian neighbors should you want to!!
ReplyDeleteLeanna, It was the craziest thing. Here I'm going along and there their name came up from Italy! I told mom tha I bet they are related!!
ReplyDeleteI did a form of this in high school and LOVED it! I should get involved again...
ReplyDeleteYou're just cool.
ReplyDeleteNat, I've really been enjoying it. I've been surprised at some of The Native's interests in doing it too.
ReplyDeleteJody, :D I knew you'd think so since your are into family history!! I thought of you when I posted this.
Anaise, Cuz I got cool friends like you.
I love doing the ethnic neighborhoods in New York census records. Especially the Italians. I came across my best friend's husband's family name once and called her. I helped teach the kids at mutual how to index last night. Mr C was a maniac. Don't let him start indexing on your computer or you may never get it back.
ReplyDelete