Hello,
I recently learned that the complete census records(USA) are available
online totally free. It is through Heritage Quest Online. You have to go
through your local public library and use your name and Library Card number.
You can do this from anywhere. I have no idea how many public libraries
provide this service. If you go to the website for your public library, they
may have information and the link there. I suppose you could call them as
well.
Barbara
Hi Barbara and others on the list.
Is this something new, or something we have been missing?
I just found out that our local county library is providing language learning free. It is the Rosetta Stone On line Language Learning Center. It includes four language learning skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking and writing. I am signing up. If it is a good program and I am smart enough, I will let you know in German. If I am not smart enough or the program is not good, I will let you know in English. It would certainly be a benefit, as the number of German listings have been increasing. Also, it will help with letter writing and document searches.
Are there other facilities provided by libraries which may help the amateur genealogy researchers? COMMENTS?
Gale
Barbara again,
I'm not sure I made it clear that you can view the census records AT
Home. You don't need to go to the public library to view the Heritage Quest
materials. But you have to have a public library card in order to get into
the site.
Barbara
Hi Gale,
I have some experience with a Rosetta Stone product which I borrowed from my library. It is a PC based learning system not an on line system. Although they may also have more advanced product out now.
It is self paced and all in German - there is no English so you learn by making mistakes. I am planing a trip to German next year so I am looking at all the options. Rosetta Stone has several levels of leraning and I think it is their policy to make only the basic level available to libraries hoping that people will buy the more advanced versions.
It is a very faced paced and fun way to learn but if you stick to it you I am guessing that you will master the basic level in about month or so and need to move on. My wife who has only a passing interest inlearnig GErman got hooked on Rosetta Stone.
I work in SF so I am trying to find a German speaker to practice with duirng the day. So far no responses to my posting on Craigslist.
I am also wondering if there is a way to talk between US and Germany over the internet for those Americans who want to learn German and those Germans who would like to learn English.
Anyone had any expreince with this?
Barney Speckman
Hi Gale,
I forgot to mention an online tool that is fairly good. It can be found at the link below.
It has beginer material as well as advanced and some on line audio.
Barney
Hi,
With regard to using the Internet to practice:
you may want to check out skype.com, a free program that allows you to talk via computer
with anyone anywhere who has an e-mail address. You may need a microphone and a set of speakers.
good luck!
Larry
Dear Barbara,
Heritage Quest Online also has fairly numerous collection of local county/village histories to peruse with your remote access connection. Can search by surname..but easiest to do place search..such as Peoria, Illinois...or Dupage, Illinois...etc... to discover what is availiable ... then search through index of titles that are of interest.
There are also some German titles availiable.
Barbie-Lew
Hello,
I recently learned that the complete census records(USA) are available
online totally free. It is through Heritage Quest Online. You have to go
through your local public library and use your name and Library Card number.
You can do this from anywhere. I have no idea how many public libraries
provide this service. If you go to the website for your public library, they
may have information and the link there. I suppose you could call them as
well.
Barbara