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Book Review of Finding your Slovak Ancestors

Finding your Slovak Ancestors
Finding your Slovak Ancestors
Author: Lisa A Alzo
Genre: Reference
Book Type: Paperback
jjares avatar reviewed on + 3317 more book reviews


Although the title indicates it is for Slovak ancestors, this is a very good book for folks looking for any ancestor. Ms. Alzo starts with the obvious (getting started, interviewing relatives, finding your family tree online, etc.).

Then she turns her attention to finding the records in North America. The author explains Soundex, what a person can expect to find in US and Canadian census records. She includes a few brick wall* breaking strategies here.

One of the best sections is Identifying Cluster Communities. Although the info is focused on Czechoslovakian immigrants, I've used the info to search other ethnic groups (by applying the search techniques to them).

Another great section is Scaling the Brick Wall: Dealing with False Leads and Pitfalls in your Research. She also explains networking in genealogy and sharing information. As a long-time researcher (started in 1980s), I was used to solitary work and was unfamiliar with the concept of networking for genealogical info.

Theres an extensive bibliography and Ms. Alzo offers a variety of research forms that you can copy and use. I've seen books (only offering similar forms) that cost as much as this hefty volume.

This book would be excellent for the newbie or intermediate ancestor researcher.