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There’s a special kind of joy in planning a genealogy road trip: the anticipation of stories waiting to be uncovered, roads ready to be explored, and the stirring of my soul as I allow myself the freedom to step into the past.
I’ve taken many journeys in the name of the pursuit of family history, but each one feels unique. And my next one? It’s shaping up to be something special. I’ll be heading into the hills and hollows of West Virginia. To the land of my ancestors. To the place that beckons my soul to return. A place rich in traditions and stories, scattered with surnames I recognize, and brimming with clues that just might bring the next chapter of my research to life.
But before I ever put the car in drive, I begin with intention and preparation. A successful and fulfilling genealogy trip isn’t just about what you find…..it’s also about how you prepare to receive it and what you experience along the way.
Begin with Intention
Every great trip starts with purpose. Before I map anything out, I take a moment to ask: What do I hope to learn or feel on this trip?
Is it about solving a specific family mystery? Visiting a town tied to my great-grandparents? Or simply immersing myself in the landscapes that shaped my ancestors lives and walking the path that my ancestors walked 200 years ago?
Setting that intention gives my journey focus and meaning, and helps me feel fulfilled no matter how many records I actually uncover. Sometimes I find the biggest treasure I discover on these journeys is finding another small piece of myself.
My guiding goals for this trip include:
Visit the county courthouse to search for land and probate records for my Massie/Massey family.
Explore the local library that houses the archives of the newspaper from the era I’m researching to find clues to where the family lived, events that involved specific family members, obituaries, etc.
Attempt to locate two family cemeteries that are likely resting places for the family.
Visit the local church to determine what if any records they hold for the family from the period I am looking at.
These goals will keep me focused and grounded when things inevitably go in a different direction.
Do my Pre-Trip Research
Once my goals are clear, it’s time to dive into the logistics. This is where the work begins:
I review my charts, notes, and previous research logs to get a clear understanding of the facts I know and the facts I don’t know. It is super important to keep good research logs so that you are not spending valuable time repeating work you have already done.
I’ve identified and outlined specific research goals for this trip and have filled out my specific research goal sheets to accompany these. (if you don’t have research goal sheets, you can find some in my Genealogy Research Workbook)
I do my research on specific archives, libraries, cemeteries, courthouses and historical societies in the area that I am planning to visit. I fill out my Pre Visit Information Sheet for places that I know I will be stopping at.
This makes visiting these places easy as I already know what to expect. You can download the Pre Visit Information Sheet I use here. I usually make a phone call to each place just to speak to the staff and get an idea of the material they DO or DO NOT have and to get a feel for their friendliness and helpfulness. This makes all the difference. If you find a location that has a helpful and friendly staff, you are much more likely to walk away feeling like the visit was a success. I have also found that by doing this, it has on occasion proven to be super productive as once in a while you will find a staff person that will pre pull information for you so that it is ready when you arrive.
A list of local areas of interest, attractions, or highlights. This gives me some things to do if I have extra time, or if I simply need to step away from my research for a while.
Maps. I’m old school and to be honest here; I’m a nerd. I have a bit of a fascination with maps. I find myself discovering more and more clues every time I look at a map. I like maps! Not only should you have a physical map to find your way to a location (GPS is not always dependable in rural areas and oftentimes there is no signal) but also an area map marked with ancestral locations. I find they help me to visualize the area my ancestors lived in. I try to mark known sites where my ancestors lived, owned parcels of land, went to church, school and any and all cemeteries that I can identify in the area. Remember with cemeteries in particular, there is usually little to no signage identifying them, so you may need to check local maps for locations or Find A Grave to get coordinates. If you find a note indicating a cemetery is located on private property, do your best to identify the property owners and call ahead for permission and instructions on accessing the cemetery.
Make a plan for your comfort, rest and fuel (both for your vehicle and your body). This part is easy to overlook, but critical to an enjoyable experience. A well-fed, well-rested researcher is a far better detective than a frazzled, hangry one. Scope out your lodging options. I look for places that are not only close to the sites I plan to visit but ones that are clean and quiet with Wi-Fi and a desk in the room for evening note recaps and reflections. I will say that I don’t always make reservations, as I tend to allow my path to change quite often, but if you are a strict planner then by all means make your reservation. Food. I love good food, so I am always looking for those local diners and cafes that offer something that your chain restaurants just can’t give you. Whether you're a fan of local dining or chain restaurants, know what is in the area before you go. There is nothing worse than being in a tiny little town without close access to good food.
Pack with Purpose
You already know I love my Genealogy Travel Kit and it is already prepped (see my previous post!), but for this trip I’ll be going a step further.
In addition to essentials such as clothes and toiletries, I’m packing with the intention of fully immersing myself in the experience.
I’ll be bringing comfort items that open my mind, body, and soul to serendipity. This means I’ll throw in one of my soft comfortable sweaters and my favorite house shoes for cool early morning coffee on the balcony or evenings sitting outside watching the fog settle over the mountains. These are some of my favorite moments and I want to be able to sit comfortably while jotting down some reflections in my journal.
I’m packing a bottle of my favorite bubble bath and the book I’ve been meaning to read, so that I can take a long leisurely bath at the end of the day (something my daily life rarely affords me the luxury of). I find that scents play a huge part in my mood so I’ll be bringing a lovely room spray and even bedding spray to envelope myself in the beauty of a warm sweet floral haven.
I’m also packing a well-stocked bag of snacks for the car as well as a small cooler for drinks. I love finding a quiet cemetery or park, spreading out a blanket on the ground and settling in for some snacks and writing some thoughts in my journal. Enjoying the trip, embracing the freedom and letting yourself truly enjoy the whole experience is what it is all about.
Of course, I’m packing some items that are not just comfort items, but really smart and essential items for the activities I’m planning. I’m including bug spray, boots, and a first aid kit, because West Virginia’s hills don’t make anything easy….but they do make everything meaningful.
Lastly, I’m taking my Canon camera because I want to capture lots of photos!
Build in Room to Breathe
Here’s the truth: not every stop will feel like a success. Some of the records you are looking for won’t be there. It’s okay. Some days will feel like a bust. It’s okay. I try to give myself grace. If a day turns out to be less than successful for research, make it a day of self-fulfillment. Check out a couple of local shops, drive down some backroads while listening to your favorite playlist, or sit on a park bench and just observe the world around you. This is often where the magic happens.
Reflect
During all of my trips, I write. I don’t leave home without a notebook or a journal. In fact, I try to allocate a journal for each and every trip. My “Notes From The Road” notebook is perfect for this. It can fit into any bag or purse, so you always have it with you.
I write not only what I find - but also what I feel. I will note the smell of the papers, the sounds of the birds, the quiet of the mornings, the way the light hits a headstone, the stories people tell me. Everything. Write down everything that comes into your mind. These reflections become the soul of the journey, and often turn out to be the most valuable part of the trip. This is your time, your thoughts, and your life: embrace it.
Every detail, from the pre-planning to the reflection is part of a bigger purpose: to make each trip not only a research success but also a fulfillment of something deeper within my soul.
Yes, I want to come home with records and stories, but I also want to come home with a quiet sense of connection: the feeling of having walked a little closer to those who came before me.
Because it’s not just about the information…..it’s about the journey.
Your Turn
What’s your favorite step in planning a trip? Do you lean more toward spreadsheets and structure, or more into intuition and spontaneity? Email me and share your thoughts: branchesandbackroads@gmail.com
No matter your style, I hope your next journey brings connection, discovery and fulfillment. Because in the end, these aren’t just trips, they’re pilgrimages of the soul.
Until next time, may your maps be dotted with dreams and your roads lined with stories.