Virtually all family historians have made use of records
housed in archival repositories by visiting a repository in person, using digital images of archival materials on a repository's website, or indirectly through online databases. But most genealogists have probably at some point been intimidated or confused by how archives work and why they're organized the way they are.
In his talk Michael Andrec will introduce the principles that govern the work of archives professionals in the USA and in countries with which it shares an archival tradition (e.g., Great Britain, Canada, and Australia). He will focus on those aspects that are most relevant to family historians, such how to search for relevant collections and how to read and understand archival finding aids.
Archives have much untapped potential if used creatively, and Mike's talk will try to get you past the "ancestry.com blinders" to explore non-traditional and unusual sources of information about your ancestors and the world they lived in. He will also provide a brief summary of the genealogy-related holdings of the Center and pointers to online resources for Ukrainian family history research.
Where did your ancestor(s) live?
Who did they work for?
What churches or organizations might have they belonged to? What government agencies, private or public institutions, or "significant people" might they have interacted with?
You never know what details about the type of life they lived you may find.