Harry Bradshaw Matthews recently learned his latest edition of a genealogy research book has joined the permanent collection of the Library of Congress.

The Library of Congress had 134,517,714 items in its collection and had a permanent staff of 3,783 employees at the end of 2006.

Matthews' own library is a little smaller, but his collection is no less impressive.

I spoke with Matthews in his office at Hartwick College on the selection of his book "African American Genealogical Research: How to Trace Your Family History."

When you walk into the associate dean's office in Bresee Hall, the first thing you notice are the books. From floor to ceiling, tomes of all sorts line the shelves.

There are also vintage photographs mostly depicting young African-American men in military uniforms, paintings and reams of documents including military rosters and records stretching back centuries.

The Natchez Democrat

Why genealogy? Genealogy, the study of family history and descent, is one of the world's most popular hobbies. So why are millions of people doing some kind of family research? Perhaps they just wonder about themselves and their roots. Maybe they want information to give their children. Possibly, they want a medical family history because of an inherited disease. Many people start in order to qualify for certain heritage societies. Sometimes they simply want to solve a mystery in their family.

For whatever reason, many people have become addicted to genealogy research — especially in Natchez.

Genealogy research

at your library

If you are one of these people or want to become one, you need to visit your library, which is a treasure trove of genealogical information.