Riffel’s book gives research roadmap for Archives

• By DAMON VEACH
• Special to Magazine
• Published: Apr 20, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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If you’ve ever wanted to research your family history at the Louisiana State Archives but were intimidated by the imposing building on Essen Lane, you’ll want to check out the latest publication by Le Comité des Archives de la Louisiane. A Guide to Genealogical Research at the Louisiana State Archives will help you navigate through the multitude of genealogical collections at this facility.

This long-needed book was compiled by Judy Riffel, a professional genealogist who has been a regular researcher at the State Archives since the building opened in 1987. Her years of experience are evident in this well-organized and easy-to-follow guide.

As she explains in the introduction, work began back in 1991. After many years of gathering information, studying collections, and compiling inventories and calendars, the time finally came to produce something that would help other researchers.

The introduction provides basic information such as hours, procedures, fees and computer access. This is followed by 12 chapters on various record groups including Censuses and Census Substitutes, Vital Records, Colonial Records, Parish Civil Records, Land Records and Maps, Military and Pension Records, Immigration and Naturalization Records, Other Governmental Records, Church and Cemetery Records, Newspapers, Ethnic Research, and Miscellaneous Collections.

The format of the chapters varies to suit the subject. Some chapters contain lists of collections on specific topics supplemented by explanatory text. For example, the chapter on Parish Civil Records contains numerous tables listing parish collections that have marriage, probate, and other types of civil records.

The accompanying text explains what these records are and how they can be useful to genealogical researchers.

Other chapters provide more detailed explanations or background information. This is where Riffel’s in-depth knowledge really shows. In the chapter on Vital Records, for instance, she explains the laws behind the creation and maintenance of vital records in Louisiana. This type of information can be helpful to genealogists who may be seeking answers as to why they can’t find a particular record or where else they might look for it.

Even experienced researchers will find a few surprises. The chapter on Other Governmental Records covers some little known and rarely used collections that contain useful genealogical data. These include the State Supreme Court Records, Hospital and Other Medical Records, Occupational and Trade Licenses, Penitentiary and Other Criminal Records, and the Rebel Archives, to name a few.

With a few exceptions, the book deals with Louisiana records. This is because the Louisiana State Archives collects and houses primarily Louisiana research materials. Two of the five appendices, however, list genealogical periodicals from other states and countries and one appendix provides a list of family newsletters.

Researchers should take note that many of these periodicals are not available in other local genealogical libraries.

The softcover book is 164 pages and sells postpaid for $23 to current members of Le Comité and $33 to non-members.

To order, write Le Comité at P.O. Box 1547, Baton Rouge, LA 70821.

Copies will also be available at the Louisiana Genealogical and Historical Society’s Annual Seminar on Saturday, April 26, at the Embassy Suites in Baton Rouge.