"Why is it not on the map?" We discuss how learning history can help you in your family history research--especially when it involves areas with shifting boundaries and name changes!One of the biggest frustrations for a family historian is finding a new place name written in a family record … but then not being able to find that place on a modern-day map, as was the issue we recently discussed in our blog article, Finding Vital Records for Galicia, Austria-Hungary.Sometimes this quandary … [Read more...]
Mapire: A Free Tool for Historical Maps of Europe
Historical maps of Europe are an often underutilized resource in European genealogy research. We share a free tool that allows you to add European maps to your genealogy toolbox!Since most records were held on the town/parish level in Europe, locating the correct town is an essential first step before researching your ancestors in their country of birth. Over the centuries, borders in Europe sometimes changed drastically, so it is important to know to which country or empire your ancestral … [Read more...]
4 Pro Tips for Finding Dutch Family History Resources
Do your ancestors hail from the Netherlands? Learn more about Dutch family history resources!Dutch genealogy is fast becoming more convenient, but not necessarily easier. There are a number of excellent and comprehensive sites making Dutch genealogy and family history research more accessible, but taking the right steps in approaching this wealth of material is important. Keep reading to learn more about the vast Dutch family history resources that just might hold the key to unlock your … [Read more...]
Uncovering the History Behind Surname Origins
*Legacy Tree successfully uncovers the rich family history of a client seeking to learn more about his unique surname origins. Shared with client permission.Paolo Zeppetelli contacted Legacy Tree Genealogists with a quest to learn more about his Italian heritage. The Zeppetelli name is not a particularly common surname in Italy, and he was curious to know of its origins. As he began collecting information, he concluded that uncovering the history behind the Zeppetelli surname origins would … [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 several 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 RecordsAs is the case with most genealogical records, Spanish records are organized by geographical … [Read more...]
In Search of Nobility: Tracing Noble Roots
*shared with client permissionInheriting 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...]
Hidden Italian Treasure – Processetti and Allegati Matrimonial Packets
One of the most useful record sets for extending your Italian ancestry quickly is the marriage supplements or allegati records. Allegati, also called processetti, is the name for the packet of documents that a bride and groom were required to present to the priest or mayor in preparation for their upcoming marriage. Depending on when the marriage occurred historically determines whether the packet was called processetti or allegati. 1804-1815: allegati1816-1865: … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: Inside the French National Archives
Legacy Tree Genealogists works with researchers from across the globe to access records for our clients. We asked Sophie, onsite in France, to share her experiences researching at the French National Archives.The French National Archives were created as a result of the French Revolution. Prior to their creation, on September 12th, 1790 by the Constituent Assembly, there was no centralized body for archiving documents produced by the administration.On June 25th, 1794, the National … [Read more...]
Legacy Tree Onsite: Civil Records at the German State Archive in Duisburg
Legacy Tree Genealogists works with researchers from across the globe to access records for our clients. We asked Sylvia, onsite in Germany, to share her experiences researching at the German State archive in Duisburg.The German State Nordrhein-Westfalen has three State Archives (Landesarchive): in Duisburg, Münster, and Detmold. The repositories of the Landesarchiv Duisburg cover the northern part of the ‘Rheinland’, the three northern districts of the former Prussian ‘Rheinprovinz’: … [Read more...]
