Interesting Access Case in Pennsylvania

[Fairfield]

According to a NEHGS newsletter, "Reclaim the Records" (a non-profit group of genealogists that has been extending public access to state-held genealogical information) is engaged with a state agency in Pennsylvania and Ancestry over a collection of records--including Civil War border claims. Right now, the state makes these records available only to PA residents and those with a subscription to Ancestry. PA residents are required to set up a "free" account with Ancestry thus turning over contact information. Apparently Ancestry digitized the records in return for a contract that limits access.

 

[BCS1973]

It's been a while since I accessed that, but last time I did, I believe it only asked for a zip code. Perhaps it's changed.

 

[Fairfield]

It's been a while since I accessed that, but last time I did, I believe it only asked for a zip code. Perhaps it's changed.

This from the site this morning:

• Enter your search parameters (name, birth year and location, etc.) on the initial search page. The results will display entries found in the Pennsylvania State Archives records.
• Click on any of the documents in the list of results, and you will be prompted to "Create a Free Account."
• Enter your name and email address. You may opt out of receiving additional communication (such as email promotions) by checking the appropriate box. Ancestry.com will send you a user name and password.
• View any records available through the Ancestry.com Pennsylvania page at any time by signing in to your free account.
• Remember, you will have free access only to the records available through Ancestry.com Pennsylvania, not to the entire Ancestry database.