Genealogy for Kids

Roots for Kids. 3rd Edition Introduces Youngsters to Genealogy Databases

In the thirteen years since Genealogical.com published the 2nd edition of Susan Provost Beller’s  classic book, Roots for Kids. A Genealogy Guide for Young People, the genealogical landscape has changed considerably. While the author emphasizes that kids should still begin their research by “exploring our own families, gathering documents and stories from them, she emphasizes[…]Read more

Posted on
Citing Indexes & Finding Aids

Citing Indexes & Finding Aids

The following article describing the factors involved in citing indexes and finding aids in one’s genealogical research has been excerpted from Elizabeth Mills’ groundbreaking book, Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace, Third Edition Revised, with the author’s permission. “In the framework of history research, an index is usually a tool, rather than[…]Read more

Posted on
scrabble 1930

A Lighter Side of History — A Timeline of Pastimes of our Ancestors

By Denise R. Larson Though it can be said that our ancestors did not have the economic advantages that most of us enjoy today, that doesn’t mean their lives were completely humdrum and colorless. They had their fun, too. A chapter in the second edition of Judy Jacobson’s History for Genealogists: Using Chronological Time Lines[…]Read more

Posted on 1 Comment
Revolutionary War Genealogy

Tips About Revolutionary War Service from The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy Fourth Edition, by Val D. Greenwood

After near 50 years and four editions, why is Val Greenwood’s Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy is still the most respected genealogy textbook? It is clear, to the point, and authoritative, to be sure, but “Greenwood” is also extremely resourceful. The following illustration from one of its two chapters on Military Records is a good[…]Read more

Posted on
Family Stories . . . and How I Found Mine Score's Endorsement from “Midwest Book Review”

Family Stories . . . and How I Found Mine Score’s Endorsement from “Midwest Book Review”

We were delighted to see that the prestigious Midwest Book Review published a long and glowing review of J. Michael Cleverley’s book, Family Stories . . . and How I Found Mine. We have reprinted it in its entirety below. Reviewer’s Bookwatch: July 2020James A. Cox, Editor-in-ChiefMidwest Book ReviewFamily Stories…and How I Found MineJ. Michael[…]Read more

Posted on
Rhode Island Genealogy

Spotlight on Rhode Island and Rhode Island Genealogy Periodicals

Rhode Island’s diminutive size belies its genealogical importance. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, Rhode Island throughout the colonial period served as a haven for religious and political dissenters. In fact, its royal charter of 1647 insured religious freedom and a democratic form of government for its freemen. Ironically, because the colonists’ livelihood was heavily[…]Read more

Posted on
30,000 Newspaper Abstracts for Early New York State Vital Records

30,000 Newspaper Abstracts for Early New York State Vital Records

Not until 1847 did New York state require local jurisdictions to record the birth, marriage, or death events of its inhabitants. This glaring omission in the official genealogical record makes consulting unofficial sources–such as church records, family Bibles, and, in particular, newspaper archives–of great importance in New York state research. Genealogist Fred Q. Bowman was[…]Read more

Posted on
genealogy heirlooms

Planning a Future for Your Family’s Past, by Marian Burk Wood

What will happen to your ancestor photos, family heirlooms, and genealogy documents when you someday join your ancestors? The new year is a good time to plan for passing family history to future generations. Planning a Future for Your Family’s Past by Marian Burk Wood offers a practical, step-by-step process for getting your collection in shape for the next generation[…]Read more

Posted on