Part 1: Background to research. 1. Understanding genealogical research ; 2. Language, terminology and important issues ; 3. Surveying, analyzing, and planning ; 4. Evidence ; 5. Libraries and the National Archives (NARA) ; 6. Reference works ; 7. Organizing and evaluating your research findings ; 8. Successful correspondence ; 9. Computer technology and family history ; 10. Family history on the Internet ; 11. Family history: going beyond genealogy -- Part 2: Records and their use. 12. Compiled sources and newspapers ; 13. Vital records ; 14. Census returns ; 15. Using census records in your research ; 16. Understanding probate records and legal terminology ; 17. What about wills? ; 18. The intestate, miscellaneous probate records, and guardianships ; 19. Government land: colonial and American ; 20. Local land records ; 21. Abstracting probate and land records ; 22. Court records and family history ; 23. Property rights of women as a consideration ; 24. Church records and family history ; 25. Immigrant ancestor origins: American finding aids ; 26. Military records: colonial wars and the American Revolution ; 27. Military records: after the Revolution ; 28. Cemetery and burial records