Contacting family in the USA

[Oblahdeeoblahdoe]

I've managed to find a great aunt's granddaughter living in the US. She's about my age and is on Facebook. She hasn't posted for about 5 years but I've sent her a message via FB anyway. I also have her address, finding that kind of information in the US is surprisingly easy! I know I could write to her but does anyone have any other ideas of how I might contact her if she doesn't receive the message? I'm just being impatient but I'm really excited to have found a living relative there.

Do they have directory enquiries in the US? So you could phone them, and if you have your address and name, you should be able to get her number.

Thanks, I haven't been able to find a directory enquiries online. It maybe be because it's such a huge country.

Another idea if you know where she lives is to look for one of those community facebook pages. We're always getting those sorts of requests on ours "Looking to track down Rose Smith, her parents were Frank and Mary and she had a brother called Jim, in connection with family research". Someone will know her.

Many people in USA do not have land lines these days a they use their mobiles (cel) but you can find residential phones numbers in a number of places on line and may need to pay a fee, even within the USA you can ring 411 (information) but there is a fee. Residential numbers used to be published in the “white pages”, commercial were published in the “yellow pages”. I believe the “white pages” are now on line too.

Truthfully, a letter it likely a better option as also many people in USA use call screening. Your UK number may not be answered

As for FB. She may be posting more often but her settings may not be public so as not being “friends” on FB, you won’t see them. She may also use FB to view things, but not comment or post. Lots of ways to use but not seen by unconnected people on FB. Similarly, as you’re not friends on FB, your message may go to her “other” folder which may not be seen.

Thanks for the advice. The FB Community pages is a good idea and I'll look at the White pages too. I have a feeling I'll probably end up writing her a letter. Thanks again

I've been/am in the exact situation - have found a grandchild of a great uncle in America. I'm afraid I've had absolutely no luck making contact. Tried FB. They use it but settings are set so can't add as a friend and I can see have not read my message. Guessed at likely email addresses - one didn't bounce back but no reply. Finally I sent a physical letter and have heard nothing. I can only conclude (assuming they did get it) that not everyone gets as excited about making contact. Really frustrating though.