We are at the tail end of another month which has been another busy one. In fact the past couple of months have been, which is why this is a bumper collection of Inspiring Genealogy Blogs that covers both July and August.
In this edition of Inspiring Genealogy Blogs we cover: newspapers, ordering original records, special collections, storing artwork and memorabilia, rules for DNA testing, a scanning app review, advice for beginners, I’m someone’s ancestor, parish chest records, keeping track of your books and ebooks … and so much more!
So grab yourself a cup of tea or coffee, get comfy, and enjoy some great reads.
As I mention every time, I find that reading blog posts helps me keep up with the latest news, products as well as what’s happening in general in the world of genealogy. And if you happen to already follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and to some extent Google+, you already know that I like to share with you the interesting things I read.
3 Kinds of Newspapers Every Genealogist Should Know
Newspapers are a gold mine of information for genealogy research. Facts, context, photographs — what more could you ask for? But if you’re stopping with the “regular” daily and weekly newspapers where your ancestor lived, you might be stopping too soon. Here are 3 other types of newspapers that every genealogist should know. Read the full article …
Just Order the Darn Record
Let’s say you’ve found an index to a record online which contains a heap of useful details. The question is do you REALLY need to order the record or not? Are you going to get any more information than what the index gives? Have a read of Mary Kircher Roddy’s experience with this very scenario …
What Are Special Collections?
James Tanner introduces readers to “Special Collection””. He writes … “Most of the larger libraries and archives of the world have a storage area set apart from the regular books and other materials where they keep items that are either very monetarily valuable, in a delicate condition or are extremely rare. These sections of the libraries are usually called “Special Collections.” In my experience, most of the genealogists I talk to have little or no experience in researching in a special collections library.” Read the full article …
Silicon Valley has its Eyes on Owning Our Genealogy. Why?
Recording history is as old as time itself. Prior to physically writing it down, it was recorded through oral history from generation to generation. These days it’s often online on a genealogy website. Commercial websites comprise part of the world that is known as Silicon Valley. Ancestry is one of them, 23and Me and Family Tree DNA are there too. This is an interesting read, so I urge you to read the full article …
Google’s Photoscan App is a Nightmare for your Old Photos. Here’s Why.
User reviews are good, and Alison from the Pictures and Stories blog writes in detail why she won’t be using the Google Photoscan App to scan her old photos. She gives detailed comparisons so readers can see for themselves, and make their own judgement. Read the full article …
Artwork & Memorabilia: Five Steps to Turn “The Pile” Into Precious Memories
Whether you’re a parent or grandparent, more than likely you will have been numerous artwork pieces from your kids or grandkids. Colouring in pictures, paintings, craft creations and so on. And after proudly displaying these on the fridge for a while, what do you do with them? Laura gives you 5 steps on how to deal; with “The Pile”. Read the full article …
Telling your own Story Versus Your Family Story
In this article Laura Hedgecock raises a very valid point, family historians are quick to record ancestors stories, yet for some reasons are very hesitant to write their own. As she says “You are part of your family’s story”, and “Putting yourself on the page allows you to connect with both present and future loved ones.”. Afterall you can tell your story like no-one else. Read the full article …
The Rules of DNA Testing
There’s been a lot of news about law enforcement using DNA companies to catch criminals. DNA testing companies have rules about law enforcement using their services, and everyone as submitters of DNA should know these rules. Judy Russell (aka The Legal Genealogist), explains clearly what each the rules of each company state. Read the full article here …
A Peek Inside the Cascades Female Factory, 1833-1834, and a New Digital Volunteer Expedition
At the foot of Mount Wellington, Hobart, Tasmania stands the remains of a forbidding institution. Nearly 200 years ago, the Cascades Female Factory housed hundreds of women, children and babies. Some of these convict women were waiting to go to new masters, others were being punished. Now you can help to tell their stories through our newest digital volunteering project, transcribing the Register of Female Convicts at the Cascades Female Factory, 1833-1834. Read the full article …
Once upon a shelf
How do you keep track of the books you have purchased, both ebooks and paper versions? Where do you house your ebook collection? What solution works for you? Where does your local genealogy, family history society list its collection? Is it available for all to easily search or browse online? Read the full article …
Ancestry Step by Step Guide: How to Upload-Download DNA Files
Roberta Estes is one of the leading authorities on genetic genealogy. In this post she gives you clear step-by-step instructions on how to upload and download your AncestryDNA data. Read the full article …
The Power of Remembering Your Ancestors
Rachel shares how after hearing about the death of an aunt, it made her remember things memories about her. “Those memories are sweet to me and I feel the need to capture them. But remembering her late at night isn’t enough. I need to document her life – remember her with purpose. How? Write it down! Journal it! Record her life story somewhere so other people can enjoy it. That is the true power in remembering.” Read her reasons for remembering your ancestors …
10 Bits of Advice for New Genealogy Researchers
Kenneth Marks gives some great tips for starting out. Those who’ve been researching for a while, I’m sure as you read through the list you’ll be nodding and agreeing with each of the 10 points he lists. I know I did. Read the full article …
In the Parish Chest: Bastardy Bonds
You’ve heard of parish records or parish registers, but have you heard of parish chest records? If not, you need to as these are amazing records. Sue form the Kindred Past blog is writing about the various types of records that you can find in the parish chest. And she’s started off with Bastard Bonds (the equivalent of maintenance payments these days). Read the full article …
A Lightbulb Moment. I’m someone’s ANCESTOR!
Lilian writes that she’s “been ‘doing the family tree’ for over 30 years and hadn’t really thought about my place on that tree. I’m now in the same spot on the family tree that my parents were for my children and my grandparents were for me. I’m someone’s ANCESTOR!” Have you thought about this question? Read the full article …
Happy reading!
