When should you actually order genealogical records like birth, marriage, death, land, or military files? In this episode, professional genealogist Connie Knox explains when it’s worth paying for original records, when to look for free alternatives, and how to decide if a record will truly advance your research.
You’ll learn how to:
– Evaluate whether a record answers your research question
– Find free or low-cost records on FamilySearch, state archives, and county websites
– Use the FamilySearch Research Wiki to locate record availability by state and county
– Identify when ordering originals (like the Social Security SS-5 form) is worth the cost
– Recognize clerk copies vs. true originals
– Save money and research smarter
If you’ve ever wondered when it’s worth ordering the real record instead of relying on indexes, this episode will help you make confident, informed choices and keep your genealogy budget under control.
Academy members, use this link to watch on the dashboard now. Be sure to grab the handout either below the video in the lesson or in the Materials Tab. https://genealogytv.org/courses/2026-youtube-videos/lessons/beyond-the-big-four/
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