Discovering Your Past

Step 13 – ‘Research Online Newspaper Archives’

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:

Newspaper Archive: https://newspaperarchive.com/
GenealogyBank: https://www.genealogybank.com/
Chronicling America: https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/
The British Newspaper Archive: https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/
ProQuest Historical Newspapers: https://www.proquest.com/products-services/historical-newspapers.html
Elephind: https://www.elephind.com/
The Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/newspapers/
Newspapers.com: https://www.newspapers.com/
Trove https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper
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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!

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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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‘Step 12 – Read Genealogy Articles’

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:

Learn about new resources: Genealogy articles often introduce readers to new resources, such as archives, databases, or specialized genealogy websites.
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.
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.
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.
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:

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.
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.
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.
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:

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.
Take notes: As you read genealogy articles, take notes on any new resources or techniques that you want to try in your own research.
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.
Consider the source: When reading genealogy articles, consider the source. Make sure that the article is written by a reputable genealogist or organization.
Look for case studies: Articles that include case studies or personal stories can be particularly helpful, as they provide insights into the research process.
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.
Subscribe to genealogy magazines: Consider subscribing to a genealogy magazine, which can provide regular updates on new resources and techniques.
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.
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.
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:

Family Tree Magazine: https://www.familytreemagazine.com/
Genealogy Today: https://www.genealogytoday.com/
Ancestry Magazine: https://www.ancestrymagazine.com/
The Genealogy Guys: https://genealogyguys.com/
The Legal Genealogist: https://www.legalgenealogist.com/
Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter: https://blog.eogn.com/
RootsWeb: https://home.rootsweb.com/
Ancestry.com: https://www.ancestry.com/
GenealogyBank: https://www.genealogybank.com/
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!

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25 Common Mistakes Newbie Family Historians Make

How to Avoid Them and Improve Your Research

Genealogy is a fascinating pursuit that allows us to uncover the stories of our ancestors and learn more about our family history. However, as with any field of research, there are common mistakes that newbies often make. These mistakes can lead to inaccurate or incomplete information and can cause frustration for researchers. In order to make the most of our genealogical research and avoid common pitfalls, it’s important to be aware of these mistakes and take steps to correct them.

In this article, we will explore 25 common mistakes that newbies make in genealogical research and provide tips on how to avoid them. By learning from these mistakes, we can become better researchers and gain a deeper understanding of our family history.

As someone who has been researching my family’s history for years, I understand the frustrations and challenges that can arise along the way. It’s easy to fall into common mistakes that can lead to inaccurate or incomplete information, causing us to hit a wall and feel like we’ve hit a dead end. However, I have also learned a lot from my mistakes and want to share some tips with you so that you can avoid them and become a better family historian.

One of the biggest mistakes I made when starting out was not verifying information with multiple sources. It’s important to remember that just because information appears to be correct, it doesn’t mean it actually is. By taking the time to cross-reference the information with other sources, you can ensure that you have accurate and reliable information about your family history.

Another common mistake is overlooking collateral relatives. Often, we focus solely on our direct ancestors and forget that siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins can provide valuable information about our family’s history. Not only can they provide insight into our ancestors’ lives, but they may also have photos, documents, or stories that can help fill in gaps in our research.

Assuming spellings are always consistent is also a common mistake that can lead to incorrect information. It’s important to keep an open mind when it comes to spellings and look for alternate spellings of names. Additionally, not taking historical context into account can make it difficult to understand our ancestors’ lives and decisions. Understanding the historical context in which they lived can provide valuable insight into their experiences and motivations.

It’s important to remember that while mistakes are inevitable, they can also be valuable learning opportunities. By reflecting on our mistakes and taking steps to avoid them in the future, we can become better family historians and continue to uncover the fascinating stories of our ancestors.

In summary, as someone who has made many mistakes in my own family history research, I want to emphasize the importance of avoiding common mistakes like overlooking collateral relatives, assuming spellings are always consistent, and not taking historical context into account. By learning from these mistakes and following best practices like verifying information with multiple sources and citing our sources, we can become better family historians and gain a deeper understanding of our family’s past.

25 Common Mistakes

Here is a list of 25 common mistakes that newbie family historians make:

1. Starting with assumptions – It’s important to approach each new piece of information with an open mind and not make assumptions that can lead to errors.

2. Ignoring the importance of timelines – Creating timelines for each ancestor can help identify gaps in knowledge, as well as overlapping events that can provide clues.

3. Failing to recognize name variations – An ancestor may have gone by different names or nicknames, and failing to recognize these can lead to incorrect research.

4. Not considering alternative record types – While birth, marriage, and death records are important, other types of records such as probate, court, or military records may also provide valuable information.

5. Not paying attention to location changes – An ancestor may have moved multiple times throughout their life, and researching their various locations can provide insights into their lives.

6. Skipping over naturalization records – Naturalization records can provide information about an ancestor’s immigration and citizenship status, which can be useful in further research.

7. Overlooking local histories – Local histories and newspapers can provide valuable information about the lives of ancestors, including social, economic, and political aspects of their lives.

8. Failing to understand handwriting – Reading old handwriting can be challenging, but it’s important to take the time to transcribe and analyze the information carefully.

9. Not considering the effects of war and disaster – War and disaster can disrupt family lives, and researching these events can provide context for ancestors’ decisions and movements.

10. Not documenting negative findings – It’s important to document negative findings and failed research attempts to avoid duplicating efforts and to keep track of gaps in knowledge.

11. Overlooking historical maps – Historical maps can provide valuable insights into where ancestors lived, worked, and traveled.

12. Believing family traditions over DNA evidence – DNA evidence can provide insights into ancestry that may not be evident in family traditions or stories.

13. Not keeping accurate notes – Accurate note-taking is critical for keeping track of research progress, sources, and findings.

14. Failing to seek out original records – Original records are more reliable than transcriptions or abstracts and should be sought out whenever possible.

15. Ignoring the importance of social history – Understanding the social, cultural, and economic context in which ancestors lived can provide valuable insights into their lives.

16. Assuming that everyone had a surname – Some cultures did not have surnames, and assuming that all ancestors did can lead to errors in research.

17. Not fact-checking information found in published family histories – Published family histories can be helpful, but they may contain errors or unverified information.

18. Believing that everything on the internet is true – Information found on the internet should always be verified with reliable sources.

19. Failing to research the descendants of ancestors – Researching the descendants of ancestors can provide valuable insights into family history and relationships.

20. Not utilizing DNA testing – DNA testing can provide valuable insights into ancestry and family relationships.

21. Overlooking immigration patterns – Understanding immigration patterns can provide valuable insights into the lives of ancestors, including their motivations for emigrating.

22. Failing to account for calendar changes – Historical calendar changes, such as the switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, can cause confusion when researching dates.

23. Not consulting with experts – Consulting with experts in genealogy or specific regions can provide valuable insights and advice.

24. Believing that all family secrets will be revealed – Some family secrets may never be revealed, and accepting this can prevent frustration and wasted effort.

25. Not celebrating small victories – Genealogy research can be a slow and challenging process, and it’s important to celebrate even small victories to maintain motivation and enthusiasm.

Learning from mistakes is an important part of personal growth and development. When we make mistakes, we can reflect on what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and make changes for the future. This is particularly important in the field of genealogy, where accuracy and attention to detail are essential.

Making mistakes in genealogical research can be frustrating, but it’s important to view these mistakes as learning opportunities. For example, if you assume spellings are always consistent and miss an important record due to a variation in spelling, you can use that mistake as a reminder to be more thorough in your research and to consider alternative spellings in the future. If you overlook collateral relatives, you can use that mistake to remind yourself of the importance of researching all branches of the family.

Additionally, learning from mistakes can help us develop better research habits. For example, if you fail to cite sources and later realize you can’t remember where a particular piece of information came from, you can use that mistake as a reminder to be more diligent about citing sources in the future. If you rely too heavily on online databases and later discover errors or incomplete information, you can use that mistake as a reminder to verify information with multiple sources.

Learning from mistakes is an essential part of genealogical research. Mistakes can be frustrating, but they also provide valuable learning opportunities to help us become better researchers. By taking the time to reflect on our mistakes, identify areas for improvement, and make changes for the future, we can improve our research skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Genealogical research can be a rewarding and exciting journey that allows us to connect with our ancestors and learn more about our family history. However, newbies in this field can easily fall into common mistakes that may lead to inaccurate or incomplete information, causing frustration and confusion. By being aware of the common mistakes outlined in this article and taking steps to avoid them, such as starting with primary sources, verifying information with multiple sources, and citing sources, we can become better researchers and uncover more accurate and complete information about our family history. It’s also important to remember that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and can help us improve our research skills over time. With patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from our mistakes, we can become successful and knowledgeable genealogical researchers.