Planning a genealogy trip Tips for research on the go

Research each location on your list. Use Google Maps to plan routes so you’ll know the distance by car between locations. Check the days and hours of the businesses, institutions, repositories, or archival resource centers you plan to visit and call to ask if certain days are more crowded than others. With this information, you can make a loose itinerary for each day; this will keep you on track when shiny things try to distract you! Don’t forget to check available parking and fees. An unexpected long walk can waste precious time and put a damper on the day.

Nomatter how convenient it is to research in your bunny slippers from home, summer is the perfect time of year to plan a genealogy trip. Genealogy travel is unique and there are several ways we can learn more about our family roots. Here are a few tips to help plan your trip.

What type of genealogy trip will you take? Is it for research or do you just want to experience your ancestors’ culture by walking in their footsteps and enjoying the food? How long of a trip is it? Can you drive or do you need to fly? My family tree is full of worthy spots to visit. I whittle them down by pinpointing areas I have an emotional connection to, then build a trip around that. Once you’ve decided, follow these tips for a stress-free trip.

For international travel, determine the best time of year to visit. Is there a cultural festival you’d like to attend? Depending on your plans, you may also want to avoid holidays when villages seem to shut down. Reach out to a local researcher to learn which repositories you should visit, then make research appointments prior to arriving to guarantee access.

Before you go, contact the town clerk or priest and let them know when you will be arriving and the surnames you are interested in connecting with. You may think your surname is unique, but when you arrive in a small village and everyone has the same name, you’ll need specific information.

Pack accordingly and practically. Comfortable shoes are a must, but you’ll also want your laptop, maps, phone, and a camera. Phones take great photos, but they are made for convenience. A good camera has higher resolution, which is important for capturing the archived document you traveled so far to find. Also, have a paper copy of your family tree information and all the important details, just in case the device you’re depending on has a snafu.

Take notes. Keeping a journal will help you capture feelings while they’re fresh. Also, note street names you walk down, people you meet along the way, and conversations that may deserve a second look.

Go with the flow. As you attempt to do and see everything, your itinerary may lack room for spontaneity and fun. You’re not likely to do everything on your very long wish list, so prioritize what’s important, then build in some wiggle room for the unexpected! FY

Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits is a member of both the National Genealogical Society and Association of Professional Genealogists. Carol is also vice president and board chairman of the Niagara County Genealogical Society. Contact her at noellasdaughter@gmail.com.

Please call event organizers to confirm information provided. Listings are alphabetical by day.

MONDAY

AMERICAN LEGION MCKEEVER POST

1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo

7:30 p.m. 822-6400

HAMBURG–KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

36 Pierce Ave., Hamburg

7:30 p.m. 649-9830/649-4340

MATTHEW GLAB POST

1965 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna

7 p.m. 825-3733

ST. AMELIA

2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda

7:15 p.m. 836-0011

Tuesday

AMVETS MEDALLION POST NO. 13

25 Review Pl., Buffalo

7:30 p.m. 874-0559

ASSUMPTION PARISH

435 Amherst St., Buffalo

7:30 p.m. 876-1038

Bingo Calendar

Bingo Calendar

ARMOR VOL. FIRE CO.

4932 Clark St., Hamburg

7:30 p.m. 649-9821

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga

1 p.m. ...............................................681-7251

HARTLAND VFC 8945 Ridge Rd., Hartland

7:30 p.m.

2 p.m. (second Tuesday)

OUR LADY OF POMPEII

129 Laverack Ave., Lancaster

7 p.m. 683-6522

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore 7:30

Wednesday

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C — SPONSORED BY THE JUSTINETTES 2735

7

Thursday

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

11099 Route 5, Irving

1 & 7 p.m. ......................... 1-800-421-2464

ST. AMELIA’S RCC

2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda

1 p.m. ...............................................836-0011

ST. ANDREW CHURCH

111 Crocker St., Sloan

7:30 p.m. 892-0425

ST. JOHN XXIII

1 Arcade St., W. Seneca

7 p.m. 239-2787

Sunday

CARDINAL O’HARA HIGH SCHOOL

39 O'Hara Rd., Tonawanda

1 p.m. 695-2600 x326

DELEVAN VFC

N. Main St., Delevan

7 p.m. ...............................................492-1910

LOCKPORT ELKS LODGE 41

6791 N. Canal Rd., Lockport

7 p.m (first and third Sundays). .......434-2798

OUR LADY OF POMPEII

129 Laverack Ave., Lancaster

2 p.m. 683-6522

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

11099 Route 5, Irving

1 & 7 p.m. 549-4389

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore

7 p.m. 873-6716

Bingo In Canada

GOLDEN NUGGET

655 Garrison Rd., Fort Erie

1 & 7 p.m. daily • 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

4 p.m Saturday and Sunday. 905-871-1277

DELTA MONTE CARLO

4735 Drummond, N. Falls

1& 7 p.m ............................... 905-356-8104

Casino

SENECA GAMING

Broad St., Salamanca

1 p.m. Sunday • 1 & 7 p.m. Wednesday

7 p.m. Thursday and Friday • 1 & 7 p.m. Saturday 945-4080, 877-860-5130

ONEIDA INDIAN HIGH