*Nita was born in Puerto Rico and adopted by American missionaries. With a desire to learn more about her Puerto Rican heritage, Nita contacted Legacy Tree Genealogists. We share her story of self-discovery with client permission Nita’s Story I was born in the mountainous region of Puerto Rico and adopted by American missionaries when I was 2 weeks old. My biological mother died from complications 2 weeks postpartum which left my biological father with 7 children whom he could not take … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: Guide to French Genealogy & Family History Resources
Legacy Tree Genealogists works with researchers from across the globe to access records for our clients. We asked one of our onsite researchers in France to share insights into the resources available for those researching French genealogy and family history. France has a wonderful, rich heritage, not only regarding the nation’s political and cultural history, but also in family history records. Thanks to careful archival preservation, the documents available are well documented and … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: A Guide to Spanish Genealogy & Family History Resources
One of the great things about Legacy Tree is that we have onsite researchers all over the globe. We have had many clients with Spanish ancestors, and to research these projects we have gone onsite in Spain. Let me share with you some of the wonderful things about Spanish records and archives that may help you as you research your Spanish genealogy and family history. Organization of Spanish Records As is the case with most genealogical records, Spanish records are organized by geographical … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: The Latvian State Historical Archives
Legacy Tree Genealogists works with researchers from across the globe to access records for our clients. We asked one of our onsite researchers in Latvia to share his experiences researching at the Latvian State Historical Archives. The Latvian State Historical Archive (Latvijas Valsts vēstures arhīva, Slokas iela 16, Zemgales priekšpilsēta, Rīga, Latvia) is the largest archive in the Baltic States. In the 7,500 fonds (record groups), more than 6 million documents are stored, covering the … [Read more...]
In Search of Nobility: Tracing Noble Roots
*shared with client permission Inheriting documents can be a boon for every budding family historian. Untold stories and treasures can be found in these treasure troves. However, when those documents are in a foreign language, researchers may find themselves unaware of the importance of the items they hold. Researching ancestry in Europe can even lead to hidden surprises such as a reference to nobility. This was the case for our client who believed the eleven Russian language documents they … [Read more...]
The Secrets in Your Spit: Using Genetic Genealogy to Solve Cold Cases
In the last few weeks, genetic genealogy has been brought to the forefront of the national and international stage with the revelation that U.S. law enforcement is applying genetic genealogy methodologies to cold cases for unidentified persons and criminal investigations. The identification of the “Chameleon” killer, “Buckskin Girl,” the “Golden State Killer,” “Lyle Stevik” and a suspect in a 1987 Washington State murder case all have been made possible through application of genetic genealogy … [Read more...]
Captain Timothy Parker: Revolutionary War Hero
*This story of Revolutionary War hero, Captain Timothy Parker, is shared with client permission. The recent Memorial Day holiday allows us a time to remember those who have served our country, particularly through military service during times of war. We were privileged to research and write a detailed biography of our client’s ancestor, Captain Timothy Parker, a Revolutionary War Captain of the Connecticut Navy and privateer. We utilized a wide variety of primary sources from the Connecticut … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: Canterbury Cathedral Archives, England
Legacy Tree Genealogists works with researchers from across the globe to access records for our clients. We asked Christopher, onsite in England, to share his experiences researching at the Canterbury Cathedral Archives in England. The approach to the Cathedral Archives is extraordinary - the cloisters, heraldic symbols in the ceiling, the stone floors. Just past the cloister is a vast wooden door, and next to it is the small sign “Archives and Library”. On entering this space, you climb the … [Read more...]