Genealogy is a constant search for new record sources. When you're stuck, where do you turn? How do you know what records are even available? If you know a particular record should exist, who do you contact to find it? Elizabeth Petty Bentley has undertaken to answer these all important questions in her book, The Genealogist's Address Book: State and Local Resources. Currently in its 6th edition, this book can be a priceless resource to the family historian.

For each edition of the book, the author sends out direct-mail and e-mail questionnaires to libraries, archives, genealogical and historical societies, publishers, and other organizations. From the responses to those questionnaires, as well as information she has researched in printed and online sources, she has compiled almost 800 pages of genealogy sources. Each listing includes such information as address, voice phone and FAX numbers, e-mail address, website (URL), contact person, periodical title, and comments provided by the organization regarding its area of specialty.

The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 deals with organizations that specialize in a particular geographical organization. In previous editions, this section had been organized by subject, but in the 6th Edition it is arranged according to locality, making it even easier to find what you're looking for. The section starts with a list of nationwide resources for the United States and then breaks down into listings for state, county, and sometimes even town and city.

Part 2 focuses on Special Resources. These are separated according to specific types of organizations. The two largest sections are ethnic and religious organizations. If you've exhausted all the usual local resources, this could be extremely helpful in locating new sources to check out.

When you need some help knowing where to turn next, The Genealogist's Address Book: State and Local Resources, 6th Edition is a great asset. If you know where your ancestor lived, what ethnic group they belonged to, or what church they attended, you'll almost certainly be able to find something to help you in this useful volume.

Review written by Aubrey Fredrickson