Genealogy Mailbox Blues

Geoff Rasmussen

20 Apr 2009

I admit it. I have the Genealogy Mailbox Blues.

Eleven days ago I ordered a marriage certificate from England. (I wrote about this here.) I know it's still a little soon for the certificate to arrive in my mailbox…but…I just can't wait! I find myself imagining what the certificate will report, and then planning my next research strategies based on what I hope will appear in the envelope. Although I'm now in my 16th year of researching my ancestors, I still have the same excitement and anticipation for what I may or may not find. And so as each day passes without the envelope from the General Register Office in my mailbox, I look for other things to do to take my mind off of this.

Have you experienced similar Genealogy Mailbox Blues?

As I wait, I've noticed my FamilySearch Indexing statistics increase, and I'm actually getting more of my old photos digitized. I've even got a little time to finish my Blogging lecture for this weekend's seminar in Saskatchewan, Canada.

The mail doesn't arrive for another six hours. Guess I'll get back to work…

Comments (5)

When ordering BMD certificates from England you may get quicker and more personal service if you contact the registrar of the district where the event was recorded rather than the General Register Office. If you know the correct office, its details including address and telephone number can be found on this DirectGov page http://maps.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/MapAction.do?ref=grolight
I used this method to get a copy of my great uncle’s death record from Yorkshire and the registrar confirmed some extra detail over the phone to make sure I was getting the right certificate before putting it in the post the same day.

I ordered a birth certificate from England and found it took longer than they originally indicated. I was checking the mailbox daily too. There is no way to contact them directly to make sure the order was received, etc. But it finally arrived and was exciting as it gave my great grandmother’s madien name, great grandfather’s occupation, and the address where my grandfather was born. I think I have found their marriage listed in the registry and plan to order that next.

But isn’t it exciting when something you weren’t expecting comes in the post? There is a lot to be said for writing letters and sending information the old fashioned way to elderly relatives when they send you photos and letters back. Such a lovely surprise and actually being able to handle the information makes it so much more tangible and easy to assimilate deosn’t it? But then I can’t think properly unless I have a pen and paper to hand. A bit Pavlovian really.

I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one with the “Genealogy Mailbox Blues.” For the first time in my life, I actually asked a private researcher to do some work for me. I didn’t have a choice – the local Catholic church archives do not permit research but they do allow one of their assistants to do research for a fee. He’s promised that he’s mailing the report to me this week, but so far, no joy! I can’t wait to get this information. Maybe tomorrow…

That’s funny because I ordered a marriage certificate just about the same time you did, from the Secretary of State Office, Washington Digital Archives – what a neat service, and it only cost $5. They have all kinds of vital stastics and records from Washington. The address is:
DigitalArchives@secstate.wa.gov. in case anyone is interested. But, I had hoped for dates and places of the bride and groom, which weren’t on there. But I did get their signatures, and I learned her previous married name.
Mary Jane in KY.

IG
Ian Glendinning

15 years ago

When ordering BMD certificates from England you may get quicker and more personal service if you contact the registrar of the district where the event was recorded rather than the General Register Office. If you know the correct office, its details including address and telephone number can be found on this DirectGov page http://maps.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/MapAction.do?ref=grolight
I used this method to get a copy of my great uncle’s death record from Yorkshire and the registrar confirmed some extra detail over the phone to make sure I was getting the right certificate before putting it in the post the same day.
MA
Mary Ann

15 years ago

I ordered a birth certificate from England and found it took longer than they originally indicated. I was checking the mailbox daily too. There is no way to contact them directly to make sure the order was received, etc. But it finally arrived and was exciting as it gave my great grandmother’s madien name, great grandfather’s occupation, and the address where my grandfather was born. I think I have found their marriage listed in the registry and plan to order that next.
J
jacqui

15 years ago

But isn’t it exciting when something you weren’t expecting comes in the post? There is a lot to be said for writing letters and sending information the old fashioned way to elderly relatives when they send you photos and letters back. Such a lovely surprise and actually being able to handle the information makes it so much more tangible and easy to assimilate deosn’t it? But then I can’t think properly unless I have a pen and paper to hand. A bit Pavlovian really.
DH
Dede Holden

15 years ago

I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one with the “Genealogy Mailbox Blues.” For the first time in my life, I actually asked a private researcher to do some work for me. I didn’t have a choice – the local Catholic church archives do not permit research but they do allow one of their assistants to do research for a fee. He’s promised that he’s mailing the report to me this week, but so far, no joy! I can’t wait to get this information. Maybe tomorrow…
MJ
Mary Jane Rodgers

15 years ago

That’s funny because I ordered a marriage certificate just about the same time you did, from the Secretary of State Office, Washington Digital Archives – what a neat service, and it only cost $5. They have all kinds of vital stastics and records from Washington. The address is:
DigitalArchives@secstate.wa.gov. in case anyone is interested. But, I had hoped for dates and places of the bride and groom, which weren’t on there. But I did get their signatures, and I learned her previous married name.
Mary Jane in KY.