Discovering Your Past

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

“Why did the genealogist cross the road?
To get to the other branch of the family.”

Newspapers are a treasure trove of information for family historians. They can provide details about your ancestors’ lives that you might not find anywhere else. Online newspaper archives have made it easier than ever before to access these valuable resources. Here’s how to research online newspaper archives to enhance your family history research:

1. Choose your target newspaper: If you know the area where your ancestor lived, start by researching the local newspaper. Alternatively, you can search for newspapers that covered specific events, such as the Civil War or the suffrage movement.
2. Find online newspaper archives: Many online newspaper archives are available, including those provided by genealogy websites and individual newspaper websites. Some archives are free, while others require a subscription.
3. Search the archives: Use the search function to find articles that mention your ancestors. Be sure to use variations of your ancestor’s name, as they may have been referred to by different names or nicknames in the newspaper.
4. Look for obituaries: Obituaries are a particularly valuable source of information, as they often provide details about a person’s life that are not found elsewhere. Look for obituaries of your ancestors and their family members.
5. Pay attention to the details: Newspapers often contain information beyond the articles themselves. Pay attention to advertisements, classifieds, and even the weather reports, as they can provide insights into your ancestors’ lives.
6. Follow up on leads: If you find an article that mentions a person or event that you were not previously aware of, follow up on that lead to see where it takes you.
7. Share your findings: Share your findings with family members, as they may be able to provide additional information or context.

Online newspaper archives have made it easier than ever before to research your family history. By following these tips, you can uncover valuable information about your ancestors and the lives they lived.

Here are some popular online newspaper archives to get you started:

1. Newspaper Archive: https://newspaperarchive.com/
2. GenealogyBank: https://www.genealogybank.com/
3. Chronicling America: https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/
4. The British Newspaper Archive: https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/
5. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: https://www.proquest.com/products-services/historical-newspapers.html
6. Elephind: https://www.elephind.com/
7. The Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/newspapers/
8. Newspapers.com: https://www.newspapers.com/
9. Trove https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper
10. Fulton History: https://fultonhistory.com/Fulton.html

Jessica’s Story

Jessica had always been interested in her family history, and she had already gathered a lot of information about her ancestors. However, she felt like she was missing some key pieces of the puzzle, and she knew that newspapers could be a valuable resource.

She started by following the first tip from the tips page for Step 13 – Research Online Newspaper Archives. She made a plan, identifying the newspapers that covered the area where her ancestors lived. She also made note of the events that she was interested in, such as the Civil War and the suffrage movement.

Next, she searched for online newspaper archives and found a wealth of options. She decided to start with Chronicling America, as she knew that this website focused on newspapers from the United States.

She used the advanced search features to narrow her search and found several articles that mentioned her great-grandfather, who had been a prominent businessman in his small town. She was thrilled to discover details about his life that she had never known before, such as the fact that he had been a member of the town council and had helped to build a new school.

Jessica also found several obituaries for her ancestors, which provided valuable information about their lives and families. She paid attention to the details in the newspapers, such as advertisements and weather reports, which gave her insights into what life was like for her ancestors.

As she found new information, Jessica saved it in a digital file so that she could refer back to it later. She also shared her findings with her family members, who were excited to learn more about their shared history.

Thanks to her research into online newspaper archives, Jessica was able to fill in some important gaps in her family history. She felt a deeper connection to her ancestors and was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about their lives.

7 Tips for Step 13 – Research Online Newspaper Archives

Researching online newspaper archives can provide valuable information for your family history research. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your online newspaper research:

1. Start with a plan: Before you begin searching online newspaper archives, make a plan. Identify the newspapers that covered the area where your ancestor lived, or the events you are interested in. This will help you focus your search and avoid wasting time.
2. Use advanced search features: Most online newspaper archives have advanced search features that allow you to search by keywords, dates, and other criteria. Take advantage of these features to narrow your search and find more relevant results.
3. Look for variations of your ancestor’s name: People often appear in newspapers under different names or misspellings. Be sure to search for variations of your ancestor’s name, including nicknames, middle names, and initials.
4. Pay attention to details: Newspapers contain a wealth of information beyond the articles themselves. Be sure to pay attention to advertisements, classifieds, and even the weather reports, as they can provide valuable insights into your ancestors’ lives.
5. Don’t overlook smaller newspapers: Smaller local newspapers may have fewer articles, but they can provide a more detailed look at the lives of your ancestors. Be sure to search for newspapers that were published in the towns or cities where your ancestors lived.
6. Save your findings: As you find articles and information about your ancestors, be sure to save them. You can create a digital file or a physical binder to keep track of your research. This will make it easier to refer back to your findings and organize your research.
7. Share your findings: Once you have found valuable information about your ancestors, be sure to share it with other family members. They may be able to provide additional information or insights that can help you further your research.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your online newspaper research and uncover valuable information about your ancestors’ lives.

In conclusion, online newspaper archives offer a wealth of information for genealogy researchers. These archives can provide access to historical records, obituaries, birth announcements, and other valuable information about our ancestors. Researchers can use this information to gain insights into their family’s past and the communities in which they lived.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all online newspaper archives are created equal. Researchers should be careful when selecting sources to ensure that they are reputable and accurate. Additionally, it’s important to have a clear research plan in mind and to stay focused on the information that is most relevant to your research.

Moving forward, Step 14 encourages researchers to explore historical and genealogical societies in the areas where their ancestors lived. These organizations can provide access to additional resources and can connect researchers with other individuals who share their interests. So, be sure to check out Step 14 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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Welcome back to this installment of the 22 Steps in Researching Your Family Tree!

“How do you make a genealogist angry?
Hide their family tree.”

This is the 12th post of Discovering Your Past blog series and we are half way through the series. In this article, we’ll be discussing ‘Step 12’ in researching your family tree: reading genealogy articles.

In the world of genealogy, there are countless resources available to help you trace your family tree. Genealogy articles are one such resource, and they can be a valuable tool in your research. Here are some reasons why you should read genealogy articles as part of your family history research:

1. Learn about new resources: Genealogy articles often introduce readers to new resources, such as archives, databases, or specialized genealogy websites.
2. Stay up-to-date: The world of genealogy is constantly evolving, with new records becoming available and new research techniques emerging. By reading genealogy articles, you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
3. Get inspiration: Genealogy articles can inspire you to explore new avenues of research or to try different research techniques. You might read about a breakthrough someone had in their research and decide to try the same approach in your own research.
4. Learn from others: Genealogy articles often include case studies or personal stories about other researchers’ experiences. By reading these stories, you can learn from their successes and failures and apply those lessons to your own research.
5. Connect with others: Many genealogy articles include information about genealogy societies or online communities. By joining these groups, you can connect with others who share your interest in genealogy and get support and advice as you research your family tree.

So where can you find genealogy articles? Here are a few places to start:

1. Genealogy magazines: There are many genealogy magazines available, both in print and online. Some popular examples include Family Tree Magazine, Genealogy Today, and Ancestry Magazine.
2. Genealogy blogs: There are countless genealogy blogs out there, covering a wide range of topics. Some popular ones include The Genealogy Guys, The Legal Genealogist, and Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter.
3. Genealogy societies: Many genealogy societies publish newsletters or magazines that are available to members. Joining a society can be a great way to access these resources and connect with other genealogists.
4. Online genealogy communities: There are many online communities dedicated to genealogy, such as RootsWeb, Ancestry.com, and Geni. These communities often include forums where you can connect with other researchers and ask for advice or support.

10 Tips for Step 12 – Reading Genealogy Articles

Reading genealogy articles can be a valuable tool in your family history research. Here are some tips for getting the most out of this step:

1. Focus on articles relevant to your research: There is an overwhelming amount of genealogy articles available online, so it’s important to narrow your search to articles that are relevant to your research.
2. Take notes: As you read genealogy articles, take notes on any new resources or techniques that you want to try in your own research.
3. Save articles for future reference: Save articles that you find particularly useful for future reference. You can bookmark them in your web browser or save them to a folder on your computer.
4. Consider the source: When reading genealogy articles, consider the source. Make sure that the article is written by a reputable genealogist or organization.
5. Look for case studies: Articles that include case studies or personal stories can be particularly helpful, as they provide insights into the research process.
6. Join online communities: Many genealogy articles include information about online communities or genealogy societies. Joining these groups can provide additional support and resources for your research.
7. Subscribe to genealogy magazines: Consider subscribing to a genealogy magazine, which can provide regular updates on new resources and techniques.
8. Use articles for inspiration: Genealogy articles can be a great source of inspiration for your research. They can introduce you to new resources or provide new research ideas.
9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you come across an article that raises questions or that you don’t fully understand, don’t be afraid to reach out to the author or to other genealogists for help.
10. Stay open-minded: Finally, when reading genealogy articles, stay open-minded. You never know when you might come across a new idea or technique that could revolutionize your research.

Here are ten websites where you can find genealogy articles:

1. Family Tree Magazine: https://www.familytreemagazine.com/
2. Genealogy Today: https://www.genealogytoday.com/
3. Ancestry Magazine: https://www.ancestrymagazine.com/
4. The Genealogy Guys: https://genealogyguys.com/
5. The Legal Genealogist: https://www.legalgenealogist.com/
6. Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter: https://blog.eogn.com/
7. RootsWeb: https://home.rootsweb.com/
8. Ancestry.com: https://www.ancestry.com/
9. GenealogyBank: https://www.genealogybank.com/
10. National Genealogical Society: https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/

Jake’s Story

Jake had been working on his family tree for months, slowly piecing together his ancestors’ lives and stories. He had used online resources, visited libraries and archives, and even reached out to distant relatives for information. But despite his best efforts, there were still gaps in his knowledge.

That’s when Jake decided to follow Step 12 in his research and started reading genealogy articles. He knew that there was always something new to learn in the world of genealogy and was excited to explore the various resources available.

Jake started by browsing through some genealogy magazines, and he was amazed at the wealth of information they contained. He found articles on everything from how to decipher old handwriting to tips for using DNA testing to uncover family secrets. He also discovered new online databases and archives he hadn’t heard of before and made a note to explore them further.

Next, Jake delved into some genealogy blogs, and he found them to be an excellent source of inspiration. He read about other researchers’ breakthroughs and techniques, and he got ideas for new approaches he could try in his own research. He even found himself contributing to the discussions on a few blogs and connecting with other researchers with similar interests.

Jake also joined a genealogy society in his area and received their newsletter, which included articles on local history and research tips. He found it valuable to connect with others who shared his passion for genealogy and enjoyed attending their meetings to hear from guest speakers and learn about new resources.

Finally, Jake explored some online genealogy communities, and he was amazed at the wealth of information and support they offered. He joined forums where he could ask questions and receive advice from more experienced researchers, and he even connected with a distant cousin who was researching the same branch of the family tree.

Thanks to his efforts to read genealogy articles, Jake’s research took a leap forward, and he gained a deeper understanding of his family’s history. He also found a community of like-minded researchers who were eager to share their knowledge and support him on his journey. Jake realized that reading genealogy articles wasn’t just an important step in his research; it was also a way to connect with others and be part of a larger community of family historians.

In conclusion, reading genealogy articles can be an incredibly valuable tool for researchers looking to deepen their knowledge of a particular topic or time period. By reading articles from reputable sources, researchers can gain insights into new research methods, learn about specific individuals or events, and discover new resources for their research.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all sources are created equal. Researchers should be discerning when selecting articles to read and should always verify information with additional sources. Additionally, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field, which can be done by subscribing to genealogy newsletters or blogs.

Moving forward, Step 13 encourages researchers to explore online newspaper archives to uncover valuable historical records and stories about their ancestors. By utilizing these resources, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of their family’s past and the communities in which they lived. So, be sure to check out Step 13 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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