Site shares local genealogy
Staff writer
Melissa Stuchlik of Tampa has translated a long-time interest in her family’s history into a free website devoted to Marion County genealogy.
Her Marion County page is part of genealogytrails.com, operated for free by the Genealogy Trails History Group which began in Illinois in 2000.
Stuchlik transcribes data that is sent to her or that she finds in libraries, newspapers, and other places.
“There is a lot of data already out there,” Stuchlik said. “My site brings it into one location.”
She designed the Marion County page to include links to historic sites, censuses, cemetery records, obituaries, births, passports, and more.
The page allows visitors to search any other location in the genealogy network.
Stuchlik is looking for information that is 15 years old or older. It should be actual data, something that is in print somewhere.
She sometimes walks cemeteries to check data from obituaries. She notes discrepancies between tombstone dates and obituary dates, if they exist.
She tries to add something to the site every month.
“Sometimes I’m very productive,” she said, “and sometimes I add just one thing.”
Users are welcome to submit data including excerpts from family history books or newspaper clippings.
“I enjoy keeping information out there, and I hope I do some good for people,” Stuchlik said.
Users should keep in mind that most material published since 1922 still is protected by copyright and may not legally be reproduced in its entirety.
The address is http://genealogytrails.com/kan/marion.