Travel experts anticipate that 2022 will be one of the biggest years for traveling than we have seen in years. If you are thinking about traveling out of the country, consider doing a little research to set up a heritage travel tour. A travel tour utilizes an itinerary based on where your ancestors were born and traveled during their lifetimes. Here is some helpful information about preparing for a heritage tour from one of our onsite researchers. The Irish diaspora sent approximately 10 … [Read more...]
Breaking Down Brick Walls with Limited DNA Evidence
Genealogy researchers run into dead-ends from time to time, especially when there is a limit to what information DNA testing can provide. When you have exhausted the obvious possibilities, it can be helpful to have patience and create a convincing web of evidence. Legacy Tree Genealogists’ Carolyn Tolman provides specific examples of how she used limited DNA and documentary evidence together to break down a brick wall in her family. Even professional genealogists have “brick walls” in their … [Read more...]
How to Write a Professional Genealogy Research Report
Whether you are writing a genealogy report for your family or you aspire to become a professional genealogist, thorough and accurate documentation is an essential skill. Legacy Tree Genealogists’ Robert Call provides six core components that professional genealogists use that can help make your research more organized and enjoyable for others to read. Writing is an important part of the genealogy pursuit. In genealogy, the simplest form of writing we might do is data entry—entering the names, … [Read more...]
Top 5 Blog Posts of 2021: Brick Wall Strategies
Genealogical research can bring family members together, deepen connections, and reconnect long-lost relatives in surprising ways. Today, more people are do-it-yourself researchers than ever before, especially with access to technology that makes it easier to find records, communicate with other genealogy enthusiasts, and share information. DNA testing available to the public that began in the early 2000s added another valuable dimension to the resources available regarding genetic genealogical … [Read more...]
French-Canadian Research Roadblocks
Researching French-Canadian ancestry can be incredibly rewarding, thanks to excellent records, preservation, and digitization. Our post, Top 3 Online Resources for Researching Your French-Canadian Ancestry, describes useful online resources that may help you trace your ancestors as far back as the 17th century. As promising as French-Canadian research can be, there are unique challenges with this particular population that may hinder progress. Everything from naming conventions to … [Read more...]
Ask a Genealogist: Interesting Facts About French-Canadian Research
We recently sat down with researcher Brandt Gibson to discuss French-Canadian research and how it might differ from other areas of genealogy research. Not only did we get some great information, but we learned a lot about what drives a researcher like Brandt. Q: Would you introduce yourself and tell us about what initially interested you in genealogy and French-Canadian research? A: My name is Brandt Gibson and I’ve been a researcher for 18 years. I've been working for Legacy Tree … [Read more...]
Tips and Resources for Researching Immigrant Ancestors from Austria
Legacy Tree Genealogists' Shelbie Drake specializes in German and Austrian research. In this article, she provides valuable tips and resources to help you find records in the area that was once known as the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Austro-Hungarian Empire At face value, the name of the Central European country Austria seems straightforward. However, the history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire - the dual monarchy of the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary - is a prime example of why … [Read more...]
Finding Genealogical Information and Clues in the Freedman’s Bank Records
Legacy Tree Genealogists' Elyse Hill specializes in African American and Southern States research. In this blog, she provides information about a private savings bank established in 1865 in emancipated communities. In addition to inventory lists included in wills and probate records of enslavers, these bank records can be a valuable source to find an ancestor’s name and other information. The Freedman’s Bank, also known as Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company, was established in 1865. The … [Read more...]