Discovering Your Past

Step 10. Join a mailing list and search message boards through RootsWeb

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

How do you make a genealogist angry?

Take away their census records!

In the digital age, genealogy research has become easier and more accessible than ever before. One of the most valuable resources for genealogists is RootsWeb, a free online community for family history research. RootsWeb offers a wide range of tools and resources to help you trace your family history, including mailing lists and message boards. In this article, we’ll explore how you can join a mailing list and search message boards through RootsWeb to connect with other genealogists and uncover new information about your ancestors.

Join a Mailing List

A mailing list is an email-based discussion group focused on a particular genealogy topic or region. By joining a mailing list, you can connect with other researchers who share your interests and exchange information and advice. RootsWeb hosts hundreds of mailing lists covering a wide range of genealogy topics, from specific family surnames to regional research. To join a mailing list on RootsWeb:

Visit the RootsWeb website at www.rootsweb.com.
Click on “Mailing Lists” in the top menu.
Browse the list of available mailing lists or use the search function to find a list that matches your research interests.
Click on the name of the mailing list to view its description and subscription information.
Follow the instructions to subscribe to the list. This usually involves sending an email to a specific address with the word “subscribe” in the subject line.

The advantages of joining a mailing list on RootsWeb are:

Connect with other researchers: Joining a mailing list on RootsWeb allows you to connect with other genealogy researchers who may have information or resources that can help you in your research.
Share information: Mailing lists on RootsWeb provide a platform to share information about your family history research with others who are interested in the same topic.
Access to expertise: Mailing lists often have experienced researchers who can provide guidance and advice on how to approach your research or where to look for specific records.
Stay up-to-date: Mailing lists often include discussions on current events and updates related to genealogy research, such as new records becoming available or changes in research methodology.
Find new leads: By participating in mailing lists, you may uncover new leads or connections in your family history research that you may not have found otherwise.

Once you’ve subscribed to a mailing list, you’ll begin receiving emails from other members of the group. These emails may include requests for information, research tips, and updates on genealogy events and resources.

Search Message Boards

In addition to mailing lists, RootsWeb also hosts message boards where researchers can post queries and connect with others who are researching the same family lines or regions. Message boards are a valuable resource for finding information about specific ancestors or families, as well as connecting with distant relatives who may have information to share.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Search Through RootsWeb Message Boards

Go to the RootsWeb website at www.rootsweb.com.
Click on “Message Boards” in the top menu.
Browse the list of available message boards or use the search function to find a board that matches your research interests.
Click on the name of the message board to view its content.
Use the search function within the message board to search for specific surnames, locations, or other keywords related to your research. The search function can be found at the top right-hand side of the message board page.
Enter your search terms in the search box and click on the “Search” button.
Review the search results that appear on the page. The results will include all posts that match your search terms, along with the author and date of each post.
Click on any post that interests you to view the full message and any replies that have been posted.
If you find a post that may be helpful, you can reply to it or send a private message to the author to ask for more information.
Keep searching and reviewing posts until you find the information you’re looking for.

Tips for Searching RootsWeb Message Boards:

Try using different combinations of search terms to get more results.
Don’t limit your search to just one message board; search multiple boards to increase your chances of finding information.
If you don’t find any relevant posts, try posting your own query on the message board to see if anyone can help you. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible about the person or topic you’re researching.
Check the message board regularly for new posts and updates.

Jane’s Story

Here’s another story about Jane’s Search for Her Great-Grandfather

Jane has been researching her family history for several years and has hit a roadblock in her search for information about her great-grandfather. She knows that he immigrated to the United States from Italy in the early 1900s, but she’s been unable to find any records of his arrival or his life in the U.S. She decides to join a mailing list and search message boards on RootsWeb to see if she can connect with other researchers who may have information about her ancestor.

After browsing the available mailing lists, Jane finds one focused on Italian genealogy and decides to subscribe. She introduces herself to the group and asks if anyone has information about her great-grandfather. Several members of the group respond, sharing tips for searching Italian records and suggesting resources that may help Jane in her search. One member also recommends a specific message board on RootsWeb that focuses on Italian immigration to the United States.

Excited by this new lead, Jane navigates to the message board and searches for posts related to her great-grandfather’s name and immigration. She finds several posts from other researchers who are also searching for information about Italian immigrants from the same time period. Some of the posts contain valuable insights and tips that Jane had not previously considered.

Jane decides to post her own message to the message board, providing all the information she knows about her great-grandfather and asking if anyone has additional information or advice on where to look. Within a few days, she receives several responses from other researchers who have either found additional information on her great-grandfather or have suggestions on where to look next.

Through the mailing list and message board, Jane has not only found valuable information about her great-grandfather’s immigration, but she has also connected with other researchers who share her passion for genealogy. She has even formed a relationship with one researcher who lives in Italy and has offered to help her with research on the ground.

Joining a mailing list and searching message boards through RootsWeb can be an excellent way to connect with other researchers, share information, and find new leads in your family history research. Here are some popular mailing lists and message boards to consider:

ROOTS-L: A mailing list that covers a wide range of genealogy topics and allows for discussion and sharing of information.
ITALIAN-AMERICAN-RESEARCH: A mailing list specifically for those researching Italian-American ancestors.
GERMANS-TO-AMERICA: A mailing list for those researching German immigrants to America.
AFRIGENEAS: A message board and mailing list for those researching African American genealogy.
JEWISHGEN: A message board and mailing list for those researching Jewish genealogy.
ANCESTRY MESSAGE BOARDS: An online community of researchers where you can search for surnames, locations, and specific topics related to genealogy.
GENEALOGY FORUMS: Another online community of researchers where you can ask questions, share information, and connect with others who share your research interests.

Joining a message board on RootsWeb has several advantages, including:

Access to a large community of researchers: You’ll be able to connect with other genealogists who are researching the same surnames, locations, or topics as you are.
Ability to share information: You can share information and ask for help from others who have more experience or knowledge in certain areas.
Discover new research leads: By browsing through the message board, you may come across information that you didn’t know before, leading you to new research leads.
Stay up-to-date on the latest genealogy news and events: Many message boards post announcements about upcoming genealogy conferences, webinars, and other events.
Free access: Joining a message board on RootsWeb is completely free, making it an accessible resource for genealogists of all skill levels.
Share information: Mailing lists and message boards are great places to share information about your ancestors and family history. You can share stories, photos, and documents with others who are interested in your research.
Find new leads: By connecting with other researchers and sharing information, you may be able to find new leads in your research. Other researchers may have access to records or information that you don’t, and by working together, you may be able to make new discoveries about your ancestors.
Access to specialized groups: RootsWeb offers a variety of specialized mailing lists and message boards for different research interests. Whether you’re researching Italian-American ancestors or German immigrants to America, there’s likely a mailing list or message board that caters to your interests.
Online communities: Joining a mailing list or message board is a great way to become part of an online community of genealogists. You can learn from others, share your knowledge, and connect with others who are passionate about family history research.
Free resources: Joining a mailing list or searching message boards through RootsWeb is completely free. You don’t have to pay anything to access these resources, making it an affordable way to connect with other researchers and find new leads in your research.

Overall, joining a mailing list or searching message boards through RootsWeb can be an excellent way to enhance your genealogy research. By connecting with others, sharing information, and finding new leads, you can make breakthroughs in your research and learn more about your family history.

RootsWeb has a variety of message boards covering a wide range of genealogy topics, including:

Adoption: for those researching adoption and related topics
Canada: for those researching Canadian genealogy
England: for those researching English genealogy
Ireland: for those researching Irish genealogy
Military: for those researching military ancestors
Scotland: for those researching Scottish genealogy
Surnames: for those searching for specific surnames in their family history research
United States: for those researching genealogy in the United States
Wales: for those researching Welsh genealogy

These message boards allow for discussion, sharing of information, and connecting with other researchers who share your interests.

As of September 2021, RootsWeb had over 30,000 message boards on their website. However, the number may have changed since then.

Review – RootsWeb

RootsWeb is an online genealogy community that provides a platform for family history researchers to connect with one another, share information, and access valuable resources. This website is a great resource for individuals who are interested in tracing their family history and discovering more about their ancestors.

One of the best features of RootsWeb is the community feel. There are countless message boards and mailing lists that cater to different genealogy topics, geographic regions, and ethnicities. This means that regardless of your research interests, you are likely to find other individuals who share your passion and can offer support, guidance, and advice.

Another great feature of RootsWeb is the wealth of information available. The website provides access to a variety of databases, including census records, birth, marriage and death records, and military records, among others. This makes it much easier to access important genealogy data without having to search through various resources.

RootsWeb also offers an easy-to-use search function that allows you to quickly find information on specific surnames, locations, or research topics. Additionally, the website has a range of helpful tools, such as genealogy forums and newsletters, which can help you to stay up to date with the latest news and trends in the genealogy community.

Overall, I would highly recommend RootsWeb to anyone interested in genealogy research. Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced researcher, this website provides a wealth of resources, a supportive community, and a range of helpful tools to help you explore your family history.

In conclusion, joining a mailing list and searching message boards through RootsWeb can be an effective way to connect with other researchers, share information, and find new leads in your family history research. As Jane discovered, these online communities can provide valuable insights, tips, and even connections with other researchers that can help you make breakthroughs in your research. So, if you haven’t already, consider joining a mailing list or searching message boards on RootsWeb today and see what new discoveries you can make!

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NOTE:

In closing this blog post, I hope that this blog series has been beneficial to you in 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.

Obtaining Important Documents

Birth Certificates or Baptism Records, Marriage Records, Death or Burial Records and Obituary Notices

Obtaining or locating copies of birth certificates, baptism records, marriage records, death or burial records, and obituary notices is an essential part of genealogy research. These records provide important information about your ancestors, including their names, dates of birth, marriage, and death, and can provide valuable insights into your family history. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of records and how to obtain or locate copies of them.

One of the most important records for genealogy research is the birth certificate. Birth certificates provide information about an individual’s name, date of birth, parents’ names, and place of birth. They are typically issued by the government and can be obtained from the state or country where the individual was born. Many online genealogy websites and archives also have digitized versions of birth certificates available for searching and viewing.

Another important record for genealogy research is the baptism record. Baptism records provide information about an individual’s name, date of baptism, parents’ names, and the name of the church or institution where the baptism took place. They are typically held by the church or institution where the baptism took place, and can often be found in church archives or in the records of local genealogical societies.

Marriage records are also an essential part of genealogy research. They provide information about an individual’s name, date of marriage, and the name of the spouse. They are typically issued by the government and can be obtained from the state or country where the marriage took place. Many online genealogy websites and archives also have digitized versions of marriage records available for searching and viewing.

Death or burial records provide information about an individual’s name, date of death, and place of burial. They are typically issued by the government and can be obtained from the state or country where the individual died. Many online genealogy websites and archives also have digitized versions of death and burial records available for searching and viewing.

Obituary notices are another valuable resource for genealogy research. They provide information about an individual’s name, date of death, and a brief summary of their life and accomplishments. They are typically found in newspapers or online, and can be searched using online newspaper archives or through online genealogy websites.

When obtaining or locating copies of records, it’s important to keep in mind that the availability and accessibility of records can vary depending on the country or state where the ancestor lived. Some countries or states may have stricter privacy laws or may not have digitized records available online. In these cases, it may be necessary to contact the government agency or institution directly to obtain copies of the records.

Additionally, it’s also important to keep in mind that the information in these records may not always be accurate or complete. Some records may have been lost or destroyed over time, and others may contain errors. It’s important to verify the information in these records with other sources, such as census records, wills, and other legal documents.

In conclusion, obtaining or locating copies of birth certificates, baptism records, marriage records, death or burial records, and obituary notices is an essential part of genealogy research. These records provide important information about your ancestors, including their names, dates of birth, marriage, and death, and can provide valuable insights into your family history. The availability and accessibility of records can vary depending on the country or state where the ancestor lived, and it’s important to verify the information in these records with other sources. With the right resources and research methods, you can uncover a wealth of information about your ancestors and gain a deeper understanding of your family history.

Step 9. Contact other relatives and descendants through ancestry website or a Genealogy forum

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

Why did the genealogist go to the cemetery with a pencil and paper?

To trace his roots!

Genealogy is a fascinating pursuit that allows us to explore our family history and connect with our ancestors. As we delve deeper into our family trees, we often discover that we have many relatives and descendants who share our interest in genealogy. Fortunately, the rise of technology has made it easier than ever to connect with others who may hold valuable information about our family history. In this article, we will explore the strategy of contacting other relatives and descendants through ancestry websites or genealogy forums. By utilizing these resources and following some simple tips, we can uncover new leads, gain valuable insights, and make exciting discoveries in our family history research.

Genealogy can be an exciting and fulfilling pursuit as we search for our roots and learn about the lives of our ancestors. With the rise of technology, it has become increasingly easier to connect with other relatives and descendants who may hold valuable information about our family history. In this article, we will discuss the strategy of contacting other relatives and descendants through ancestry websites or genealogy forums.

Ancestry Websites

Ancestry websites, such as Ancestry.com, have become popular resources for researching family history. These websites allow users to create family trees, search historical records, and connect with other users who may be researching the same family lines. Ancestry.com has a feature called DNA testing, which can provide users with information about their ethnic background and help them connect with distant relatives who share the same DNA.

One of the key benefits of using Ancestry.com is the ability to connect with other relatives and descendants who may have additional information about your family history. You can send messages to other users who are researching the same ancestors and share your research findings with them. This can lead to valuable insights and new leads to follow in your research.

If you’re looking to connect with other relatives and descendants through online genealogy websites, there are several strategies you can use to make the most of your research. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Use DNA Testing: DNA testing has revolutionized genealogy research, allowing you to connect with distant relatives who share the same DNA. Ancestry.com has a feature called DNA testing, which can provide users with information about their ethnic background and help them connect with distant relatives. By testing your DNA and connecting with others who share the same DNA, you may be able to uncover new leads and make exciting discoveries in your family history research.
Create a Detailed Profile: When using genealogy websites, it’s important to create a detailed profile that includes information about your family history research. This can help you connect with other users who may be researching the same family lines. Be sure to include as much information as possible, such as names, dates, and locations of your ancestors.
Use Message Boards: Many genealogy websites have message boards where users can post questions or information about their family history research. These message boards can be a great way to connect with other users who may have valuable information about your family history. Be sure to check these message boards regularly and respond to any messages that may be relevant to your research.
Join Genealogy Groups: Many genealogy websites have groups or communities that are organized by geographic region, surname, or research interest. Joining these groups can be a great way to connect with other users who share your interests and may have valuable information about your family history.
Reach Out to Other Users: When you find other users who may be researching the same family lines, don’t be afraid to reach out to them. Send them a message and introduce yourself, and ask if they would be interested in sharing information or collaborating on research. Be respectful and provide them with information about your research and what you are looking for.

By utilizing these strategies, you can make the most of your research on genealogy websites and connect with other relatives and descendants who may hold valuable information about your family history.

Step-by-Step Guide using Ancestry.com

Sign in to your Ancestry.com account. If you do not have an account, create one by signing up for a free trial.
Navigate to the “Search” tab on the top of the Ancestry homepage.
Enter the name of your ancestor into the search bar, along with any other relevant information such as birth or death dates or locations.
Review the search results and select any relevant records, such as census records or marriage records, to add to your ancestor’s profile.
Click on the “Family Tree” tab to view your family tree.
Navigate to the ancestor that you are researching and click on their name to view their profile.
Scroll down to the “Family Members” section and click on the “View all” button to view all of your ancestor’s family members.
Look for any family members that you have not yet added to your family tree.
Click on the name of the family member to view their profile.
If the family member has already been added to another user’s family tree, you may be able to view the tree by clicking on the “View Tree” button.
If the family member has not been added to any other trees, you can use the “Search” tab to try and find additional records or information about them.
If you find any new information or potential leads, make a note of it and consider reaching out to other users who may be researching the same family lines.
To reach out to other users, navigate to the “Message Center” tab on the top of the Ancestry homepage.
Click on the “Compose Message” button to send a message to another user.
Be sure to follow the tips and strategies outlined in this article when contacting other users.

By following these steps and utilizing Ancestry.com’s search and family tree features, you can connect with other relatives and descendants who may hold valuable information about your family history.

Genealogy Forums

Genealogy forums are online communities where users can discuss their family history research and connect with others who share the same interests. These forums can be a valuable resource for connecting with other relatives and descendants who may have information about your family history.

Many genealogy forums are organized by geographic region, surname, or research interest. You can join these forums and post questions or information about your family history research. Other users can respond with their own research findings or share information about their own family history that may be relevant to your research.

Genealogy forums can also be a great place to connect with distant relatives who may be researching the same family lines. By sharing information and collaborating with others, you can piece together a more complete picture of your family history.

When using genealogy forums to connect with other relatives and descendants, there are several strategies that can help you make the most out of your experience. Here are some tips:

Join relevant forums: There are many genealogy forums available online, so it’s important to join forums that are relevant to your research. Look for forums that focus on your ancestral region or the surnames you are researching.
Be specific in your post titles: When creating a post, make sure your title is specific and accurately describes the topic you’re asking about. This will help other users understand what you’re looking for and increase the likelihood of getting a response.
Provide details: In your post, provide as many details as possible about the ancestor or family line you’re researching. This will help other users provide relevant information or suggest new avenues of research.
Respond to other users’ posts: Participating in discussions and responding to other users’ posts can help you build relationships with other researchers and increase the likelihood of receiving help in return.
Be respectful and patient: Remember that other users on genealogy forums are volunteers and may not have the time or resources to respond immediately. Be patient and respectful in your interactions with other users.
Follow forum rules: Each genealogy forum has its own set of rules and guidelines. Make sure you read and follow these rules to avoid being banned or having your posts removed.
Use private messaging for sensitive information: If you need to share sensitive information, such as personal contact details, use the private messaging function rather than posting it publicly on the forum.
Offer help in return: If you’re able to help another user with their research, offer your assistance. This can help build relationships and foster a sense of community within the forum.

By following these strategies, you can effectively use genealogy forums to connect with other relatives and descendants and gain valuable information about your family history.

Charlotte’s Story

Here is a story about Charlotte and how she used Step 9 to her advantage:

Charlotte had always been interested in her family history, but she had hit a brick wall in her research when it came to her great-great-great-grandmother, Margaret. She had searched through census records, birth and death certificates, and marriage licenses, but she couldn’t find any information about Margaret’s parents or where she had come from.

Frustrated with her lack of progress, Charlotte turned to Step 9 of her research plan and decided to reach out to other relatives and descendants through genealogy forums. She joined several forums and posted questions about Margaret, hoping that someone might have some information that could help her.

To her surprise, she received a response from a distant cousin who had been researching the same family line. The cousin had a family Bible that had been passed down through the generations and contained information about Margaret’s parents and siblings. Charlotte was thrilled and grateful for the information and the cousin was happy to share their findings.

Through collaboration with the cousin, Charlotte was able to piece together more information about Margaret’s life and family history. She discovered that Margaret had grown up in a small town in Virginia and had married a man from a neighbouring town. They had moved to Ohio where they had several children, including Charlotte’s great-great-grandfather.

With the information provided by her cousin, Charlotte was able to fill in the gaps in her family tree and make new connections. She continued to stay in touch with her cousin and they shared information and photos of their ancestors. It was a rewarding experience for Charlotte, and she felt like she had gained a better understanding of her family history and heritage.

In the end, Charlotte realized that by reaching out to other relatives and descendants, she was able to break down the brick wall in her research and uncover new information about her great-great-great-grandmother Margaret. She was grateful for the resources available through genealogy forums and the willingness of others to collaborate and share their findings.

Tips for Contacting Other Relatives and Descendants

When contacting other relatives and descendants through ancestry websites or genealogy forums, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

Be respectful: Remember that you are contacting real people who may be busy with their own lives. Be polite and respectful in your messages and give them time to respond.
Provide information: When reaching out to other users, provide them with information about your research and what you are looking for. This will help them understand how they can assist you.
Share your research findings: When connecting with other users, share your own research findings with them. This can lead to valuable insights and new leads to follow in your research.
Be open to collaboration: Collaboration with others can be a powerful tool in genealogy research. Be open to working with other researchers and sharing information to help each other achieve your research goals.

List of Some Genealogy Forum Websites

Ancestry Message Boards – https://www.ancestry.com/boards/
Genealogy.com Forums – https://www.genealogy.com/forum/
Family Tree Forum – https://www.familytreeforum.com/
RootsChat.com – https://www.rootschat.com/forum/
MyHeritage Community – https://www.myheritage.com/community
Genealogy Wise – https://www.genealogywise.com/
Find a Grave Forums – https://www.findagraveforums.com/
Cyndi’s List – Genealogy Resources – https://cyndislist.com/forums/
GenealogyForum.co.uk – http://www.genealogyforum.co.uk/
Genealogy-Forum.de – https://www.genealogy-forum.de/

These forums are a great resource for connecting with other genealogists, asking for help with research, and sharing information about your family history.

Conclusion

Contacting other relatives and descendants through ancestry websites or genealogy forums can be a powerful strategy in your family history research. It allows you to connect with other researchers who may have valuable information about your family history and collaborate with them to uncover new leads and insights. When contacting other users, it is important to be respectful, provide information, share your research findings, and be open to collaboration. Remember to use these strategies to maximize your chances of success. By leveraging the power of technology and online communities, you can make exciting discoveries and piece together the puzzle of your family history.

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