Episode 197 - ReclaimTheRecords.org And Freedom Of Information Act Requests For Genealogical Records

Fisher opens this week's show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David reports from his research trip to Scotland. David opens the show with the story of a New York genealogist who has been there to help poor folks prove their relationship to rich folks to gain a piece of their estate once they've died. But this genealogist has run into a bit of trouble. Hear what has happened. Then, a cemetery in Topeka, Kansas has been getting an assist from a local genie in finding unmarked graves. The technique is called "grave witching" (among other things) and you'll want to hear about this remarkable woman and technique! In Arkansas, the infamous "Trail of Tears" is receiving special recognition. David will tell you what is happening there. David's "blogger spotlight" this week shines on Thomas MacEntee's Geneabloggers.com. A long time friend of the show, Thomas shares a lot of techniques and secrets he has learned through the years.

Next, Fisher visits with Brooke Ganz, whom he calls the "terror of record keepers everywhere!" Brooke has founded a non-profit organization called ReclaimTheRecords.org. Working particularly with New York City records, Brooke came to realize that government entities do not like to make public some genealogical records that were, in fact, paid for by us, the taxpayers! So, Brooke started using Freedom of Information Act requests, and even law suits to force this archives and offices to hand over what is rightfully everyone's for the benefit of all. Then she has them digitized and posted for free! Intriguing? You can be a part of this great effort that could finally get you the records you've been seeking from wherever. Let Brooke explain how!

Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com talks about MP4s. They're a great file type for preserving video, but there are some things you should know. Tom is also preparing for his summer preservation road trip. He's going to try to hit numerous family history conferences across the country. Hear where he's going to be.

That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!