Our museum has an ample genealogical library and we allow visitors to
research under loose supervision.  However, we are in no position to do the
work "for" them.  The example of a Civil War rifle used by Pvt. John Doe
comes up occasionally, and sometimes having that last name will lead us to a
particular set of records, starting with the accession file.

We do whatever we can to help, but we have no one with the time to conduct
the actual research that would be necessary in this case.  Pointing visitors
in the right direction, if we can, seems to be all they require and are
quite happy with that.  It has helped us obtain new members from coast to
coast and in Canada.

Ross Weeks Jr.
Tazewell, Va.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Shane Rhyne" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2000 3:01 PM
Subject: Genealogy and Museums


What resources, if any, does your museum provide to genealogists seeking
additional information about original owners of artifacts on display? For
instance, a visiting genealogist notes that a Civil War rifle on display was
used in the war by a Pvt. John Doe. The genealogist would like to find out
if this John Doe is related to his Doe family tree. How would your
institution handle such inquiries?

Shane Rhyne, Public Relations Director
East Tennessee Historical Society
Knoxville, Tennessee
[log in to unmask]

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