One of our genealogists provides tips on researching Ashkenazic Jewish names. Ashkenazic refers to a group of Jewish Europeans who migrated to Eastern Europe around the 12th century. Discover valuable resources and techniques to help you better understand your family's heritage. Jewish genealogy can present some unique challenges, particularly when figuring out our ancestors' names. The following tips and resources can help you navigate the search process more confidently and help you break … [Read more...]
5 Roles We Can Play to Help Preserve Our Family History
Genealogy is not only about researching family history, it's about pulling the family closer together with a common interest. Legacy Tree Genealogists' Ryan Rockwood explains how family tree research is often a family affair in which family members assume their unique and valuable roles. A few weeks ago, my wife tragically lost her grandpa Tom after sustaining brain injuries due to a fall. It was shocking and heartbreaking, especially since he was in relatively normal health … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: Finding Your Ancestors in Scotland – An Introduction to the Main Records and Archives
Let's say you trace your family tree and discover your ancestors were born in Scotland. Where do you go from there? One of our onsite researchers provides some tips and explains that the amount of information you can find depends on when your ancestors left Scotland. Birth, Marriage, Death and Census Records The primary sources for research in Scotland are certificates of birth, certificates of marriage, certificates of death, and census records. The 1841 census was the first census … [Read more...]
Foundations for Genetic Genealogy Success: Profiles and Family Trees
Our own Paul Woodbury follows up on his article about the journey of a DNA sample with a discussion of how profiles and family trees are the foundations for genetic genealogy success. This article is a reprint from a recent issue of the National Genealogical Society Magazine and is published here with permission. In my previous article, "From Spit to Screen: The Journey of a DNA Sample" I described the journey of a DNA sample from the moment a sample is taken to the moment a test taker … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: Exploring the Archives of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Legacy Tree Genealogists works with researchers around the world to access records for our clients. We recently asked one of our onsite researchers to share valuable information on the resources available for family history research at various archives in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although the country had many names over the years, in 1995, the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (located on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe) officially changed its name to Bosnia and Herzegovina. One … [Read more...]
The Window Tax: A Window into Your Ancestry
Legacy Tree Genealogist, James (Jim) Beidler explains how a short-lived tax created in 1798 can be a valuable source of information for genealogy researchers. Discover which states retained this information and how to find it. Taxes. They're a subject from which many people wish to stay away - almost as much as they want to avoid paying them. There are many types of taxes, historically speaking, and records of them can vary greatly. In some cases, they are not even public records. Those … [Read more...]
Setting the Record Straight: 6 Common Myths About Hiring a Professional Genealogist
One of our genealogists breaks down some of the myths about genealogical research and provides valuable insight into the process of hiring a professional. This article may answer some of the questions you have about hiring a genealogist to research your family's history. As professional genealogists, genealogy is our passion as much as it is our profession. We love nothing more than to sink our teeth into a juicy ancestral mystery, gather up all available evidence, and piece together … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: Navigating Italy’s Archives for Family Research
Legacy Tree Genealogists works with researchers from across the globe to access records for our clients. We asked one of our on-site researchers in Italy to explain how to navigate the complex maze of archives in Italian Research. It is incredible to me that America, as a country, is older than Italy! Between 1859 and 1870, the various territories in the peninsula came together to unify the country, but it would be another 76 years before a constitution was written and Italy declared a … [Read more...]