Meeting Information
| Date: | May 4, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Pre-Meeting: | 9:00 AM |
| Presentation: | 10:00 AM |
| Location: | Zoom |
Handouts are only available to "Paid" members and can be found in the "Members Only" section of our website.
Presentation Description:
Love it or hate it, Fold3 is cornering the market on American military records online. Learn how to navigate the site, browse resources effectively, and find the hidden gems on this fantastic database.
Meeting Schedule: (Central Time)
09:00-09:50 AM - Members Helping Members Pre-meeting
09:50-09:55 AM - Break
09:55-10:00 AM - Society Announcement
10:00-11:15 AM - Presentation and Q&A
Debra M. Dudek :
Debra M. Dudek is Head of Adult and Teen Services at the Fountaindale Public Library District in Bolingbrook, IL. Ms. Dudek specializes in British genealogy, World War I research, and emerging technology topics. An alumna of Olivet College (Olivet, Michigan) and the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, Scotland), Ms. Dudek holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a Master in Information and Library Studies, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Genealogical, Paleographic & Heraldic Studies.
Transcription Summary of the Meeting
Here are the key points from the transcript of the genealogy meeting featuring Debra Dudek on using Fold3 Library Edition:
- Fold3 was previously called Footnote, a website that compiled military and historical records from various archives and universities. Ancestry later purchased Footnote and rebranded it as Fold3, a military-focused genealogy resource.
- Fold3 has a wide range of records, including military muster rolls, service indexes, passports, city directories, and FBI records. However, it lacks many post-WWI military service files due to privacy concerns.
- When using Fold3 Library Edition (free access through libraries), users cannot make annotations or edits to records. The paid Fold3 subscription allows for this functionality.
- The search interface on Fold3 is different from Ancestry, allowing users to enter more detailed search criteria in a single field, rather than separate fields.
- Browsing Fold3 records can be more effective than searching, as it allows users to see all the names on a page and find misspelled names or other clues.
- Fold3 has good collections of city directories, but users should also check other sources like Newberry Library and HathiTrust for more comprehensive coverage.
- For research on specific military units or events, such as the Mexico operation against Pancho Villa, the daily morning reports on Fold3 can be a valuable resource.
- For military police or other specialized records, the National Archives and researchers like Norm Richards may be able to provide additional assistance.