In Part II of our two-part series on how to date old family photos, we discuss using clues from women's fashion to date old photos in your genealogy research.Sometimes, there are no clues within the photograph or imprinted on it. In those situations, we need to rely on an understanding of the fashions of the 1850s through 1900s, both hair and clothing, to accurately determine when that particular photograph was taken. At least one of the three key aspects of women’s fashion—hair, the bodice of … [Read more...]
Genealogy Tips & Best Practices
As the world's highest rated genealogy research firm, the experts at Legacy Tree Genealogists have compiled a collection of genealogy tips and best practices to help you find YOUR ancestors! From methodology and education, to writing a family biography, we explain the who, what, where and why of family history research!
Genealogy Sleuthing: How to Date Old Family Photos – Part I
Many family historians have a collection of unidentified old family photos they're not sure what to do with--but can't bear to throw out. In this article, we'll share tips for helping you accurately date old family photos.Photographs are one of the treasures of genealogy. There is something about being able to look an ancestor in the eye—we make a connection to the people we can identify by both name and face. We search for traces of ourselves in their faces. We wonder what they were thinking … [Read more...]
Evidence Analysis Explained Part III: Evaluating Genealogical Evidence
This third and final installment in the evidence analysis series considers the concept of genealogical “Evidence” and then overviews the Genealogical Proof Standard which allows for defensible conclusions in genealogy. The purpose of genealogy is to reach defensible conclusions about our ancestors. This is done through proper analysis of the evidence. When we consider the sources, the information, and the evidence we can reach conclusions which are reliable.Evidence Analysis in … [Read more...]
Evidence Analysis Explained Part II: Evaluating Genealogy Information
This post is the second in a three-part series focusing on the concepts of evidence analysis as used in genealogy. The first post provided an overview of the evidence analysis process and discussed the concept of sources. This post picks up with evaluating genealogy information, which is the second category in the process.Understanding the Types of Genealogy InformationAfter the source (the document itself) has been examined, the next category to consider is “Information.” Information is … [Read more...]
Evidence Analysis Explained: Digging Into Genealogical Sources
This article is the first in a three-part series that explores evidence analysis concepts through easy-to-understand definitions, probing questions to be utilized while researching, and real-world examples to illustrate the concepts that will help you analyze genealogical evidence like a pro! What does a genealogist do, anyways?When I talk with those unfamiliar with genealogical research, they are often surprised by all that goes into what we do as professional genealogists. Rather than … [Read more...]
“Did My Ancestor Serve in the American Revolutionary War?” Research Steps to Prove a Family Legend
We frequently have clients contact us wanting to know, "How do I prove a family legend is true (or untrue)?". In this article, we highlight research that was completed to find out whether the family legend of an ancestor serving in the American Revolutionary War is fact or fiction. Many of us want to learn about our ancestors’ lives, and this is a key motivator for completing family history. Yet some people also want to know what role their ancestors played in history, and if certain … [Read more...]
Meet Maggie, Project Manager for Legacy Tree Genealogists
Maggie Stevenson was born and raised on the east coast of Scotland, in the historic Kingdom of Fife. She studied English Language and Literature at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After graduating she qualified in TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language - and spent three years living and working in the south of Italy.After several years in Italy she returned to the UK and worked for a non-profit organization supporting homeless individuals. She worked as an … [Read more...]
Preserving Living Genealogy: How to Conduct a Family History Interview
Summer is coming! Anticipated vacations are being planned, and family reunions are in the works. Now is the perfect time to begin arrangements for capturing the memories and stories of older generations. Here are some suggestions for conducting a quality family history interview to preserve the stories of your loved ones.Preparing for a Family History InterviewSet a specific time, date, and place for the interview. Plan to spend about an hour to an hour and a half, with options to meet … [Read more...]
RootsTech 2019 Recap: Everything You Need to Know
Family history brings connection, healing, and joy. This was the overarching theme of the RootsTech 2019 Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. We were thrilled to once again be a part of celebrating all the good things family history brings to the world and the technology and innovation driving it forward.Legacy Tree Genealogists was once again invited to participate as a RootsTech Ambassador for 2019. As such, Legacy Tree president Jessica Taylor and marketing director Amber Brown were … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Genealogists at RootsTech 2019: Schedule of Events
The countdown to RootsTech 2019 is on, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever, with hundreds of classes to choose from and keynote speakers like Patricia Heaton and Saroo Brierley. Held in Salt Lake City, Utah, the conference will run from Wednesday, February 27th through Saturday, March 2nd. Legacy Tree Genealogists will be there in full-force–exhibiting in the Expo Hall, teaching classes and hosting Q&A sessions.Check out our schedule of events below, and be sure to … [Read more...]
