Best Websites and Apps for Finding Local History
Understanding the location helps us understand our ancestors. Learn about the best websites and apps to do so.
Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker: Using Occupational Records
Exploring records created about occupation and employment can yield specific information about the ancestor, help place the ancestor in historical/social context, and spark ideas for further research.
Farms, Factories & Defectives: The 'Other' Census Schedules
When we talk about using the census, we generally mean the population schedule. Some census years had other schedules taken at the same time. Some of these can give us wonderful detail about our ancestors and the lives they led.
The Last Full Measure: Military Burials
Learn about the history of military cemeteries in the United States as well as the records created for military burials.
Mapping Your Family History
X might not mark the spot, but maps can still lead us to treasure: our ancestors! Let’s examine some different types of maps that you can (and should) use in your research.
Silent No More: Researching the Deaf in Your Family Tree
You might be surprised at the number of resources available for researching someone who is Deaf. These sources tell not only about the person, but also his or her family.
Taxes, Taxes, Taxes
Taxes have been with us even before we became a country. Let’s look at ways to use tax lists to help solve genealogical problems.
Ten Years is a Long Time: Census Substitutes for the In-between Years
The federal census gives us wonderful clues for our research, but the ten years between each census is a long time. What can be used in between and what are the strengths and weaknesses of these substitutes?
Using Land Records Effectively
Land records were kept in most jurisdictions before vital records. Because land was so important to our ancestors (and because the government needed to know who to tax), land records were kept on a consistent basis. Let’s explore the genealogical treasurers waiting to be found in land records.
What Do You Mean There's No Record?! Using Vital Records Substitutes
Civil vital records are key components to genealogical research. What do you do when your ancestor was born or died before those records were created? That’s when you need to look at other things – the vital records substitutes.
Written in Stone: Tombstones and Other Cemetery Records
Cemeteries can be peaceful places and a treasure trove of genealogical information. Learn how to evaluate tombstones and explore for other types of cemetery records.
