Discovering Your Past

Welcome back to this installment of the 22 Steps in Researching Your Family Tree!

“Why did the genealogist get kicked out of the funeral home?”

They were trying to dig up too much information!

You can also listen or download this episode!

Finding Funeral Home Records

Step 16 in the Discovering Your Past blog series is all about checking out funeral home records. Funeral home records can be a valuable resource for genealogy researchers, as they often contain information about the deceased, their family members, and other details about their lives.

Funeral home records can include a variety of information, such as the date and location of the funeral, the name and address of the funeral home, the name and age of the deceased, the names of family members and other relatives, and the cause of death. In some cases, funeral home records may also include photographs, obituaries, and other documents.

So, how can you access funeral home records for your genealogy research? Here are some tips to get started:

1. Research funeral homes in the area where your ancestors lived. Funeral home records are typically held by the funeral home that conducted the funeral. Use online directories and local historical societies to identify funeral homes that were in operation during the time period you are researching.
2. Contact funeral homes directly. Once you have identified a funeral home that may have relevant records, contact them to inquire about their record-keeping practices and to ask about the availability of records for the time period you are interested in. Be sure to explain your research goals and to ask about any fees associated with accessing records.
3. Check online databases. Some funeral homes have made their records available online through genealogy websites and other databases. Be sure to check these resources to see if any relevant records are available.
4. Consider hiring a professional genealogist. If you are having difficulty accessing funeral home records or need help interpreting the information contained within them, consider hiring a professional genealogist who specializes in funeral home research.

Tips for Step 16

Here are ten websites where you can search for funeral home records to aid in your genealogy research:

1. Ancestry.com – Ancestry offers access to a variety of funeral home records through their website, including obituaries, funeral home directories, and more.
2. FamilySearch.org – FamilySearch offers a collection of funeral home records, including obituaries and other information about the deceased and their families.
3. FindAGrave.com – FindAGrave offers a searchable database of cemetery records, which can include information about the funeral home that conducted the burial.
4. FuneralNet.com – FuneralNet offers access to obituaries and other funeral home records through their website.
5. Legacy.com – Legacy offers a searchable database of obituaries, which may include information about the funeral home that conducted the funeral.
6. ObitsArchive.com – ObitsArchive offers access to a large collection of obituaries and other funeral home records.
7. FuneralOne.com – FuneralOne provides funeral home software and services, and also offers access to obituaries and other funeral home records through their website.
8. Tributes.com – Tributes offers a searchable database of obituaries and other funeral home records.
9. GenealogyBank.com – GenealogyBank offers a collection of obituaries and other funeral home records, which can be searched by name, location, and other criteria.
10. ObituariesHelp.org – ObituariesHelp provides information and resources for finding and interpreting obituaries and other funeral home records.

Remember, not all funeral home records may be available online, so be sure to also check with local funeral homes and historical societies in the area where your ancestors lived.

Henry’s Story

Henry had always been fascinated with his family history. He spent hours pouring over old family photos and documents, trying to piece together his ancestors’ lives. One day, he stumbled upon the Discovering Your Past blog series and was excited to find new resources to help him in his genealogy research.

He followed the blog’s advice and started with Step 16 – checking out funeral home records. Henry knew that his great-grandfather had passed away in the 1920s, so he began researching funeral homes in the area where his great-grandfather had lived.

After some searching, Henry found a funeral home that had been in operation during the time period he was interested in. He contacted them and was delighted to find out that they still had records from that era. The funeral home sent him the information he had requested, which included his great-grandfather’s obituary and information about his family members.

Excited by the information he had discovered, Henry continued his research by using some of the websites suggested in the blog post. He found Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org particularly helpful, as they both had extensive collections of funeral home records.

Henry was able to piece together more information about his great-grandfather’s life, including details about his occupation, where he had lived, and the cause of his death. He even discovered some long-lost relatives he never knew existed.

Henry was grateful for the Discovering Your Past blog series and its advice on checking out funeral home records. He had found a valuable resource for his genealogy research and was excited to continue his journey into his family’s history.

In summary, funeral home records can be a valuable resource for genealogy researchers. By following these tips, you can gain access to these records and learn more about the lives of your ancestors.

In conclusion, Step 16 of the Discovering Your Past blog series highlights the importance of checking out funeral home records as a valuable resource for genealogy researchers. These records can provide information about the deceased, their family members, and other details about their lives, including photographs, obituaries, and other documents. The article provides useful tips for accessing funeral home records, including researching funeral homes in the area, contacting funeral homes directly, checking online databases, and considering hiring a professional genealogist. Additionally, the article lists ten websites where funeral home records can be searched to aid in genealogy research. By utilizing these resources and following the tips provided, genealogy researchers can gain access to these records and learn more about their ancestors’ lives.

Be sure to check out Step 17 in the Discovering Your Past blog series to continue your journey into your family’s history!

You can also listen or download this episode!

NOTE:

In closing this blog post, I hope that the blog series has been beneficial to you about learning more about genealogy and how to trace your family history. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback on the series or would like to suggest any improvements, please don’t hesitate to send me a message or email. I value your input and appreciate your support in helping me to create more helpful and informative content for aspiring genealogists. Thank you for following along on this journey, and I wish you the best of luck in your own genealogical research.

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Welcome back to this installment of the 22 Steps in Researching Your Family Tree!

“What do you call a genealogist who can’t climb trees?”

A root digger.

Stay Up-to-Date on Genealogy News and Research Tips

As you continue to research your family tree, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest genealogy news and research tips. One way to do this is by subscribing to a free newsletter or blog.

There are many newsletters and blogs that are specifically geared towards genealogy research, and subscribing to one (or several!) can provide you with valuable insights and information. Here are some reasons why subscribing to a free newsletter or blog can benefit your research:

1. Keep up with the latest genealogy news: Genealogy research is constantly evolving, and new information is constantly being discovered. By subscribing to a newsletter or blog, you can stay informed about the latest news in the genealogy world.
2. Learn research tips and techniques: Genealogy research can be a challenging and time-consuming task. A newsletter or blog can provide you with tips and techniques to make your research more efficient and effective.
3. Discover new resources: There are countless resources available for genealogy research, and it can be difficult to keep track of them all. A newsletter or blog can introduce you to new resources that you may not have otherwise known about.
4. Connect with other researchers: Subscribing to a newsletter or blog can connect you with other researchers who share your interests. You may discover new research opportunities or find a community of researchers who can provide support and guidance.

Here are some popular genealogy newsletters and blogs that you may want to consider subscribing to:

1. FamilySearch Blog: This blog provides tips and insights on genealogy research, as well as updates on new resources and collections available on FamilySearch.org.
2. Ancestry Blog: Ancestry.com’s blog covers a wide range of topics related to genealogy research, from DNA testing to historical records.
3. Genealogy Gems: This podcast and blog provides research tips and techniques, as well as interviews with genealogy experts.
4. MyHeritage Blog: MyHeritage.com’s blog covers a range of topics, including DNA testing, historical records, and research tips.
5. The Genealogy Guys: This podcast and blog covers a range of genealogy topics, from research techniques to software and technology.

By subscribing to a free newsletter or blog, you can stay informed and connected in the genealogy community. It’s a simple and easy way to enhance your research and discover more about your family’s history.

Linda’s Story

Linda had always been curious about her family’s history. She had heard stories from her parents and grandparents, but she wanted to know more. So she started researching her family tree, using online resources and visiting local archives.

As she continued her research, she realized that there was so much to learn about genealogy. There were new techniques and resources being discovered all the time, and it was hard to keep up with everything. That’s when she remembered Step 15 of the ‘Discovering Your Past’ blog series: subscribe to a free newsletter or blog.

Linda decided to take this advice and subscribed to a few genealogy newsletters and blogs that aligned with her research interests. She started receiving regular updates and insights on the latest genealogy news and research tips. She was excited to learn about new resources she hadn’t known about before.

One day, she received an email from one of the newsletters she subscribed to, announcing a local genealogy conference. Linda had never attended a genealogy conference before, but she decided to go. It was at the conference that Linda discovered a community of researchers who shared her passion for genealogy. She was able to connect with other researchers, learn new research techniques, and even discover new resources.

Linda found the tips and tricks in Step 15 of the ‘Discovering Your Past’ blog series to be particularly helpful. She scheduled time each week to read her subscriptions and even saved useful articles and tips for future reference. She also engaged with the community through comments and social media, sharing her own insights and experiences.

Through her subscriptions and community connections, Linda was able to enhance her research and discover more about her family’s history. She was grateful for the advice in the ‘Discovering Your Past’ blog series and would recommend it to anyone starting their own genealogy journey.

5 Tips for ‘Step 15

Subscribing to a free newsletter or blog can be a great way to stay informed about the latest genealogy news and research tips. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your subscription:

1. Choose newsletters or blogs that align with your research interests: There are many genealogy newsletters and blogs available, so it’s important to choose ones that align with your research interests. For example, if you’re interested in DNA testing, look for newsletters or blogs that focus on this topic.
2. Set aside time to read the newsletter or blog: It’s important to set aside time to read the newsletter or blog so that you don’t miss any important updates or tips. Consider scheduling a specific time each week to read and catch up on your subscriptions.
3. Save useful articles or tips: If you come across an article or tip that you find particularly useful, save it for future reference. You can create a bookmark folder in your browser or save articles to a file on your computer.
4. Engage with the community: Many newsletters or blogs have a community of readers who engage with each other through comments or social media. Take advantage of these opportunities to connect with other researchers and share your own insights and experiences.
5. Don’t be afraid to unsubscribe: If you find that a newsletter or blog is no longer relevant to your research interests or is overwhelming you with too much information, don’t be afraid to unsubscribe. Your time is valuable, and it’s important to focus on resources that will benefit your research.

By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your subscription to a free newsletter or blog and stay informed about the latest genealogy news and research tips.

In conclusion, subscribing to a free newsletter or blog can provide valuable information and updates on genealogy research, as well as offer tips and tricks from experienced researchers. By staying up to date with the latest news and developments in the field, you can enhance your research skills and make new discoveries about your family history.

Moving on to Step 16, checking out funeral home records can be an excellent resource for genealogists. These records can provide information about deceased individuals and their families, as well as shed light on the funeral industry in general. Stay tuned for our tips on how to access and make the most of funeral home records in your genealogy research.

NOTE:

In closing this blog post, I hope that the blog series has been beneficial to you about learning more about genealogy and how to trace your family history. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback on the series or would like to suggest any improvements, please don’t hesitate to send me a message or email. I value your input and appreciate your support in helping me to create more helpful and informative content for aspiring genealogists. Thank you for following along on this journey, and I wish you the best of luck in your own genealogical research.

Sign Up Today to get new content delivered directly to your inbox.

Welcome back to this installment of the 22 Steps in Researching Your Family Tree!

“Why did the genealogist take a DNA test?”

To see if his roots matched his branches.

When it comes to family history research, historical and genealogical societies can be an invaluable resource. These organizations often have access to local records and information that may not be available elsewhere, making them a valuable tool in your research. Here are some tips for finding and utilizing historical and genealogical societies in the area you are researching:

1. Search online: The first step in finding historical or genealogical societies in your research area is to search online. Many of these organizations have websites that provide information on their services, resources, and membership options.
2. Check local libraries: Local libraries often maintain collections of historical and genealogical records and may have information on local societies. They may also have partnerships or affiliations with these organizations, which can provide additional access to resources.
3. Attend events: Many historical and genealogical societies host events, such as lectures or workshops, that can provide valuable information on local history and genealogy research. Attending these events can also provide opportunities to meet other researchers and share information.
4. Join the society: Consider becoming a member of a historical or genealogical society in the area you are researching. Membership can provide access to exclusive resources, such as databases, publications, and research assistance from experienced members.
5. Volunteer: Historical and genealogical societies often rely on volunteers to maintain their collections and organize events. Volunteering can provide opportunities to gain experience in genealogy research and access to resources not available to the general public.
6. Don’t forget about smaller organizations: In addition to larger historical and genealogical societies, smaller local organizations may also have valuable information and resources. Be sure to search for organizations specific to the town or county you are researching.

By utilizing the resources available through historical and genealogical societies, you can gain a better understanding of the lives of your ancestors and the communities they lived in. Take advantage of these organizations and the wealth of information they provide to further your research and discover more about your family’s history.

Don’s Story

Don had always been curious about his family’s history, but he didn’t know where to start. He had heard about historical and genealogical societies, but he didn’t know how to find them. That’s when he stumbled upon Step 14 of a family history research guide that recommended checking websites that offer historical or genealogical societies in the area you are researching.

Don quickly got to work and searched online for societies in the town where his grandparents had lived. He was surprised to find several societies that had information about the history of the town and the families that had lived there. He also found genealogy websites that had directories of societies and more information about their services.

Don decided to attend an event hosted by one of the societies, where he met other researchers who shared their experiences and knowledge. He also learned about the resources that the society had available, including databases and publications, that could help him in his research.

After attending the event, Don became interested in joining the society. He was excited about the exclusive resources and research assistance that membership provided. He also saw this as an opportunity to give back and volunteered to help with organizing events and maintaining collections.

By utilizing the resources available through historical and genealogical societies, Don was able to learn more about his family’s history and the town where his grandparents had lived. He felt a deeper connection to his family’s past and was grateful for the information that he had found. Don knew that he still had more to discover, but he felt confident that he was on the right track thanks to Step 14 of the family history research guide.

7 Tips for Step 14

When conducting family history research, historical and genealogical societies can be a valuable resource. They often provide access to local records and information that may not be available elsewhere. Here are some tips for finding and utilizing historical and genealogical societies in the area you are researching:

1. Search online: The first step in finding historical or genealogical societies in your research area is to search online. Use search engines like Google to find societies in your target location. Make sure to include the name of the town, city, or county in your search terms.
2. Check genealogy websites: There are many genealogy websites that have directories of historical and genealogical societies. Some popular websites include Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and MyHeritage.com.
3. Check with local libraries: Local libraries often maintain collections of historical and genealogical records and may have information on local societies. They may also have partnerships or affiliations with these organizations, which can provide additional access to resources.
4. Attend events: Many historical and genealogical societies host events, such as lectures or workshops, that can provide valuable information on local history and genealogy research. Attending these events can also provide opportunities to meet other researchers and share information.
5. Join the society: Consider becoming a member of a historical or genealogical society in the area you are researching. Membership can provide access to exclusive resources, such as databases, publications, and research assistance from experienced members.
6. Volunteer: Historical and genealogical societies often rely on volunteers to maintain their collections and organize events. Volunteering can provide opportunities to gain experience in genealogy research and access to resources not available to the general public.
7. Look for smaller organizations: In addition to larger historical and genealogical societies, smaller local organizations may also have valuable information and resources. Be sure to search for organizations specific to the town or county you are researching.

By utilizing the resources available through historical and genealogical societies, you can gain a better understanding of the lives of your ancestors and the communities they lived in. Take advantage of these organizations and the wealth of information they provide to further your research and discover more about your family’s history.

In conclusion, historical and genealogical societies can be a valuable resource for genealogy researchers. These organizations offer access to unique resources, such as local histories, photographs, and other records that may not be available elsewhere. Additionally, societies provide opportunities to connect with other researchers and to learn about the communities where our ancestors lived.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all historical and genealogical societies are the same. Researchers should do their research and choose societies that are reputable and that have resources that are relevant to their research interests.

Moving forward, Step 15 encourages researchers to subscribe to free genealogy newsletters and blogs. These resources can provide valuable information about new research methods, tools, and resources, as well as insights into specific individuals or events. By staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, researchers can expand their knowledge and make new discoveries. So, be sure to check out Step 15 to continue your journey into your family’s history!

NOTE:

In closing this blog post, I hope that the blog series has been beneficial to you about learning more about genealogy and how to trace your family history. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback on the series or would like to suggest any improvements, please don’t hesitate to send me a message or email. I value your input and appreciate your support in helping me to create more helpful and informative content for aspiring genealogists. Thank you for following along on this journey, and I wish you the best of luck in your own genealogical research.

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