Whether you're heading to Washington, D.C. for a vacation or family history research, your trip is not complete without a visit to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Founded on the premise of being a "permanent living memorial to the victims of the Holocaust" by an act of Congress, the Museum opened to the public in April 1993. Located just a short distance from the National Mall, the austere façade welcomes those seeking to gain knowledge on this tragic chapter in world history. For … [Read more...]
Civil War Pension Files Research Tips
The Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861-1864, and approximately 622,000 Americans served on either the Union (Northern) or Confederate (Southern) side. Afterwards, a provision was set up for Union soldiers or their surviving dependents to receive pensions from the federal government, though the qualifications to receive one varied through the years. Until the 1890s, only those soldiers who had incurred an injury or permanently debilitating illness as a result of their military … [Read more...]
Public Libraries: Local Treasures for Genealogy Research
When you think about places you can search for your family, how often do you remember your local public library, or more importantly, the one near where your ancestor lived? Public libraries can be one of the most overlooked resources in family history research, and are one of the most valuable. Even the smallest one might hold the largest historical collection in the surrounding area. Most people visit libraries for their general offerings. Accessibility to books and magazines, rental … [Read more...]
DNA Surprises and Your Family Tree
We've compiled a list of DNA resources that may be helpful when encountering unexpected or traumatic results from DNA testing. At Legacy Tree Genealogists, we’re huge proponents of DNA ancestry testing, which is allowing us to help our clients understand their roots better than ever before. We believe DNA testing is changing the world. Change, however, can sometimes create difficult complications, and the surprises discovered in the course of DNA ancestry testing are no exception. As an … [Read more...]
Meet Kim, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Meet Kim, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists. Kim has a extensive knowledge of family history, and has enjoyed working at Legacy Tree Genealogists since she was an intern! Kim Running’s love of family history began as a child while listening to her great-grandmother tell stories of her uncle who, as a boy, ran down the streets of Springfield, Illinois dragging sticks along white picket fences with Abraham Lincoln’s son, Tad. Her desire to learn about her Italian immigrant ancestors … [Read more...]
Social Security and Your Immigrant Ancestors
If your immigrant ancestor had a Social Security number, does that mean they were a United States citizen? Find out! Q: My immigrant ancestor had a Social Security number. That proves he became a citizen of the United States, doesn’t it? A: In the 21st century, we tend to view our Social Security numbers as evidence that we are U.S. citizens and assume that only other citizens can file an application for a Social Security number. In fact, many government and other entities use the card the … [Read more...]
Tips for Using Compiled Sources in Family History Research
Knowing what records yield the proper information to build a family history can be a challenge. Where do I begin? How do I start? What is right and accurate and how do I know? So much is available online, but who has the right answer? Family history begins with what you know about your family and extends backwards from there, so from the start, it is important to collaborate and work with others who know about your family in its more recent generations. In addition to the family members you … [Read more...]
Intestate Succession – 50 Laws for 50 States
What are the rules? Who gets what? Each state maintains its own laws as to which family members will receive an inheritance from a person who has died “intestate.” What does it mean to have "died intestate"? The person who has died is called “the decedent.” To have “died intestate” means the decedent died without a valid will in place. The decedent’s assets belong to their “estate” until the probate process is complete. Who gets what when there is no will? The assets of intestate estates … [Read more...]