State Names

When I started doing genealogy I decided to use the two-character Postal Service codes for the state names.  Later, I read posts and articles that recommended writing out the state names in full. My latest genealogy program, RootsMagic seems to support this view.  I noticed this when I used the Name Gazetteer.

At this point I'm unwilling to change.  I've made one concession. When the only place name I have for an event is a state name I write out the state name in full.

Dick Henthorn
8 September 2014

I'll Be Brief

Using abbreviations in your genealogy file isn't a good idea. There's no guarantee that your readers will be able to understand your abbreviations. I've used the RootsMagic edit option to find and expand some abbreviations in the notes in my own files.

Contrary to what I'm writing, I chose to use the Postal Service two letter state abbreviation in the place names of my own work. I've read that this isn't recommended and sometimes worry about my choice.

Dick Henthorn
1 November 2013