We outline the 5 steps in the genealogy research process that will help you maximize your research efforts. When researching your family history, have you ever asked yourself: “Where do I even start?!” Or, in the thick of researching have you ever thought: “What do I do next?” or “How do I know what I’ve found is correct?” These are questions we’ve all asked ourselves in one form or another at some point. Genealogy can be overwhelming and sometimes that feeling of being overwhelmed turns … [Read more...]
Make Hay While the Sun Shines: Farm Names in Your Family History
Today we’re going to discuss another important surname anomaly that commonly appeared in areas using patronymics and sporadically elsewhere: Farm Names. But first, it’s important to understand how surnames have evolved, and the nuances that can create brick walls in our genealogy research if we aren’t aware of them. Let’s dive in! Lesson in History: The Birth of Modern Surnames Before different religious factions broke off from the Roman Catholic Church, our ancestors who were not nobility or … [Read more...]
The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of Y-DNA Testing
DNA testing for genealogy offers the opportunity to confirm an expected lineage, and in many cases, make incredible discoveries that could not be made any other way. Many genealogists are focused on autosomal DNA testing. However, Y-DNA testing also provides great genealogical value, and while more limited in scope, it can be a tremendous aid in breaking through more distant genealogical brick walls. Early Y-DNA tests had very limited coverage accompanied by a high price tag. The testing … [Read more...]
To Test or Not to Test – An Excellent Question
"Should I take a DNA test?" We evaluate the reasons for - and against- taking a DNA test. *This article originally appeared in NGS Magazine, and is reprinted with permission. The first hurdle a researcher may face as they contemplate engaging with the growing field of genetic genealogy may be the decision of whether or not to take a DNA test in the first place. While DNA testing is increasingly useful for the genealogist, the power of genetic genealogy to reveal surprising or unexpected … [Read more...]
From Beaver Pelts to Totem Poles: Key Canadian Genealogy Resources East to West
A guide to key Canadian genealogy resources, coast to coast! East to west, Canadian genealogy resources offer an abundance of delights for family history! The record landscape begins with the first non-indigenous early 16th century settlement by the French in present-day Quebec, and although things didn’t really start rolling in terms of nation-wide settlement until Confederation in 1867 — the birth of the Dominion of Canada — the tantalizing opportunity for many families to be traced in … [Read more...]
Solutions for a Weed-Free Yard, Genealogy-Style: Genealogy Podcasts
I don’t know about you, but there are just some chores that I loathe to do, like weeding. Right now, with spring in full swing, my yard is growing a healthy crop of weeds. My solution to making it more enjoyable? Listening to genealogy podcasts! Here are five of my favorite genealogy podcasts that make the time fly when doing any mundane task: Genealogy Gems is hosted by Lisa Louise Cooke, and her podcast “helps you make the most of your family history research time by providing quick and … [Read more...]
Genealogical Giggles – Finding Humor in Genealogy Documents
As genealogists, we occasionally encounter funny genealogy records that makes us giggle. Here's a collection of some of our favorites! Most researchers have felt the thrill of discovering a little-known document that connects the dots on a family tree, but generally a lot of time is spent slogging through pages of records with little to show for the effort. However, researchers who spend copious amounts of time in censuses, wills, and land records are often rewarded with a few giggles to make … [Read more...]
“The Milkman’s Son”: Tips for Writing a Captivating Family History, and a Giveaway!
Randy Lindsay, author of The Milkman's Son, shares tips for writing a family history others will want to read, PLUS a giveaway for a copy of his book. Randy's Story In the summer of 2005, an ordinary trip to visit my dad changed my life. I should have known I was in for a surprise when he muted the sound on the television and had an actual discussion with me. Dad told me he was having dreams. He saw the faces of people he believed were his ancestors and even though none of these ghosts spoke … [Read more...]