This hour-long presentation (aimed at advanced beginner and intermediate researchers) focuses on research approaches to get you past “brick walls”. We will look at reasons why we have “brick walls” and how we may be making our own “brick walls.” Focus will be on problem-solving, getting past assumptions, realizing what we know versus what we […]

One did not always just leave Europe and head off to America without paperwork, particularly as the 19th century wore on.  In some locations, in some time periods, it was necessary to secure some permission or documentation in order to leave the old country. One simply did not leave home, head to port, get on […]

Library of Virginia Land Patents This hour-long presentation provides a very broad and quick overview of what land patents are on the Library of Virginia Website; how to search, download, organize, and interact with the images. Handout included. Order for immediate download.

What was the last thing you learned about research or the area where your ancestors lived? Don’t be afraid to admit there is something that you do not know or that you need help in figuring something out. The worst “brick walls” are those that are of our own construction. This was going to be […]

We still have room on my two research trips coming up later this year. Join me for research, morning presentations, time with other genealogists, and a fun research experience: Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne, Indiana  

All of us have research habits based upon previous experience. Those habits often stem from where our relatives lived (and what records were generally kept and are accessible) and what has worked for us in the past. It is important to get beyond  some of those habits so that we do not overlook sources that […]

  Records with clear errors present challenges to transcribers. Actually they only present transcription challenges when the handwriting is difficult to read. Transcribers are supposed to transcribe records as they appear, not as they wish they would appear and not as they are “supposed” to appear. The directive is fairly clear. When the handwriting is […]

The genealogist who fails to understand social history does themselves and their ancestors a grave injustice.  It is in an attempt to broaden my understanding of social history that I decided to purchase the somewhat provocatively titled, White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America after seeing it mentioned on Elizabeth Shown Mills’ Evidence Explained […]

It all depends upon your angle. Louis Demar was born in Clinton County, New York, in the 1850s. He lived there until approximately 1900 when he moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he stayed through 1920. Most of the time he worked for the Pullman Car Company and it’s likely job opportunities were what brought him […]

    Already Given This hour-long presentation (aimed at advanced beginner and intermediate researchers) will focus on research approaches to get you past “brick walls”. We will look at reasons why we have “brick walls” and how we may be making our own “brick walls.” Focus will be on problem-solving, getting past assumptions, realizing what […]