UpFront with NGS: FBI

Showing posts with label FBI. Show all posts

15 July 2015

FBI Records -- The Vault (FREE Access to select FOIA requested documents)

It’s amazing how a couple of years can go by and then I’m reminded of a resource. That is the case with FBI Records: The Vault.

Obviously the description provided has not been updated since it says the same things it did back a couple of years ago! The collection has definitely expanded in the intervening years and the best way to get a summary view of how is to click on “Recently Added” (right hand side navigation). You can also search, check out the A-Z index, or look into a particular category.

This is the type of resource that is unlikely to talk about your ancestors directly, unless they were infamous, and it is great for giving you historical context.

I was reminded of Emma Goldman after watching a historically-based TV show where she was mentioned. I had done some research on her and various collaborators back in 2006 and I put in a bunch of FOIA requests to the FBI, NARA and elsewhere. Maybe some of those papers are now part of this collection!?! Most of her entries in this database are related to Julius Rosenberg.

Did a particular topic catch your eye?

Did you find a relative mentioned?

Editor’s Note: Related posts include FBI Digitizes Millions of Files -- I wonder if in the future genealogists will benefit ?!?! & Using FBI Files for Genealogy Research

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Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.

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11 September 2014

FBI Digitizes Millions of Files -- I wonder if in the future genealogists will benefit ?!?!

It was interesting to read FBI Files -- CJIS Digitizes Millions of Files in Modernization Push.

The era of sliding drawers full of aging FBI files is drawing to a close. Millions of fingerprint cards, criminal history folders, and civil identity files that once filled rows upon rows of cabinets—and expansive warehouses—have been methodically converted into ones and zeroes. The digital conversion of more than 30 million records—and as many as 83 million fingerprint cards—comes as the FBI fully activates its Next Generation Identification (NGI) system, a state-of-the-art digital platform of biometric and other types of identity information.

Do watch the video and read the box “A Dying Art” which gives insight into how finger-print matching used to take place.

Though we don’t often want to think we have scofflaws in our family, they leave such a rich paper trail that it is actually kind of nice to find one or more in the family. You can at least count on there being some paperwork about them. We have previously talked about Using FBI Files for Genealogy Research.

Some other neat resources if you are interested in pursuing research into FBI files are:

+ A Guide to Conducting Research in FBI Records -- detailed information about the records of the FBI

+ NARA Descriptive Pamphlet, Investigative Case Files of the Bureau of Investigation 1908-1922

+ "The FBI and Your Ancestor?" by Melchiori, Marie Varrelman NGS NewsMagazine 32:4 (October/November/December 2006), pp. 24-28. [NGS members can access for FREE]

What do you think? Might future genealogists be able to more easily access these FBI files given that they are now digitized?

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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.

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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!

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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

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Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.

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24 July 2013

Using FBI Files for Genealogy Research

A recent post on the GenealogyBlog, Genealogical Research Using FBI Files, reminded me that for a project several years ago, I filed many many FOIA requests to the FBI to collect information about some individuals who were of interest (all long-deceased) for activities in the early 1900s. It provided a fascinating look into all kids of people at the time. Some files were never found and for others, massive amounts of paperwork were received.

Do realize that there is NO online submission and everything must be in writing. You will then receive any communication from the FBI in writing through the mail. I mention this so that you remember to be patient. Learn more at What Happens After Making a Request.

When considering making such a request, do make sure that you have done your homework. The FBI was created in 1908; before that the Department of Justice often used “Secret Service Operatives” to conduct investigations.

So, if you are seeking earlier records, you might need to contact the United States Secret Service.

There is also online FBI Records: The Vault a “new electronic reading room, containing 6,700 documents and other media that have been scanned from paper...”

And, Fold3 has a collection of FBI Case Files which “cover[s] important investigations by an agency of the US government later known as the FBI, called the Bureau of Investigation. They include tales of espionage during World War I, case files for German aliens who were politically suspect, records pertaining to Mexican neutrality, and reports dealing with alleged violations of Federal laws.” The files cover the time period 1908-1921.

Have you ever used an FOIA to get records about your ancestors from the FBI or the Secret Service? If so, please tell us how the process worked for you and whether any genealogical gems were found!

Do you know of other “online” collections of FBI or Secret Service files?

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Want to learn more about interacting with the blog, please read Hyperlinks, Subscribing and Comments -- How to Interact with Upfront with NGS Blog posts!

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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog.

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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!

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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com