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About the Author

Includes the name: James M Beidler

Image credit: James M. Beidler

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Works by James M. Beidler

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Common Knowledge

Legal name
Beidler, James Michael
Birthdate
1960-06-24
Gender
male
Education
Hofstra University
Occupations
genealogist
tax preparer
copy editor
Organizations
Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society
International Society of Family History Writers and Editors
Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania
The Patriot-News
Short biography
Jim writes the award-winning weekly newspaper column “Roots & Branches”—the only syndicated genealogy feature in Pennsylvania—and edits Der Kurier, the quarterly journal of the Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society. Jim is a frequent contributor to periodicals ranging from The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine to Family Tree Magazine. His speaking credits include all the nation’s largest genealogical conferences, as well as the Pennsylvania Humanities Council’s acclaimed Commonwealth Speakers program (2002–2009). Jim also teaches online courses and webinars for Family Tree University.
Nationality
USA
Birthplace
Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Associated Place (for map)
Pennsylvania, USA

Members

Reviews

4 reviews
Books on how to research family history are sometimes too information-intense, frequently dry, often describe outdated research methods, and always are appealing to readers interested in genealogy. I liked the writing style of The Family Tree Historical Newspapers Guide - clear, concise, interesting and accurate.

The sections are sensibly organized, and the methods suggested seem valid although the websites listed may or may not be around in the future (which is beyond the author's control). show more Helpful worksheets are included, and I liked that microfilm and digitized records were referenced.

After reading the book, I feel more confident in navigating the uncertain area of genealogy, and think it is definitely a useful guide for the beginning family history researcher..

*eARC Netgalley*
show less
Well-known genealogist James M. Beidler discusses newspapers as a genealogical source. He covers most types of newspapers. Religious newspapers were omitted from separate treatment although a few titles showed up in a geographic sample in the book. He does an excellent job relating available databases, even acknowledging ethical questions about business practices of some. Beidler, best known for his German genealogical research, includes international newspapers, not limiting the discussion show more to the United States. The book's greatest flaw lies in the format of the otherwise excellent bibliography. It does not employ a recognized style manual such as Evidence Explained or Chicago Manual of Style. Since one chapter included information on citing newspapers following the recognized genealogical citation manual Evidence Explained, this surprised me. Beidler's work will become the most-cited "how to" guide on newspaper research in the genealogical community in the near future. All genealogy libraries with methodology collections should purchase a copy. I received an electronic advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. show less
I loved this book. As a mediocre genealogist, I am always looking for ways to improve upon my searches. Beidler's book is a big help! It is full of resources and methods to search old newspapers, and I am now armed to further my investigations. Plus, it has handy worksheets to use to help. Maybe now I can fill in some of the "missing links" in my tree, and flesh out some of the lives of my ancestors.

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Statistics

Works
21
Members
839
Popularity
#30,460
Rating
½ 4.4
Reviews
4
ISBNs
10

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