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Strategy: Academic RecordsBy Pat Smart and AI2024.10.09 Academic Records: A Hidden Gem Genealogical research often starts with familiar resources like censuses, birth and death certificates, or military records. However, academic records are a valuable source for those looking to add depth to their family history. From school enrollments to university transcripts, these records provide critical details about ancestors, offering insights that may be overlooked in other documents. They can help place ancestors in a specific time and place while revealing their social standing, interests, and family dynamics. Why Academic Records Matter Most genealogical resources provide the basic facts about an […]

Strategy: Merchant Marine RecordsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2024.10.02 Exploring Merchant Marine Records An interesting area of Family History research is found in tracing ancestors who worked at sea. If your ancestor was part of the Merchant Marine, a maritime service that played a crucial role in international trade, you may have a rich but lesser-known resource to explore. While traditional genealogy strategies often involve birth certificates, census data, and church records, researching Merchant Marine records can provide unexpected insights. These records not only detail service history but may also include personal information and ports visited, shedding light on your […]

Strategy: Dower Rights and Widow’s PensionsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2024.09.25 Unlocking Clues Through Dower Rights and Widow’s Pensions Genealogy research often hits roadblocks, especially when records are missing or incomplete. However, overlooked sources like dower rights and widow’s pension records can provide valuable insights. These legal and financial records frequently contain personal information that may establish crucial family relationships, marriage dates, and more. Understanding how to locate and analyze these documents can help break through genealogical brick walls. This article, 1) explores the significance of dower rights and widow’s pensions, 2) discusses how they evolved, and 3) offers tips […]

Strategy: Examining Historical DirectoriesBy Pat Smart and AI2024.09.18 Unlocking Genealogical Insights with Historical Directories Genealogy research can be a rewarding journey, but it often comes with challenges. While many researchers focus on familiar records like censuses or vital records, one lesser-known but highly valuable resource is the historical directory. These directories, which were once published regularly in towns and cities, provide an abundance of information about local residents, businesses, and communities. This article will explore how historical directories can aid in your genealogical research and offer unique insights into your ancestors’ lives. What Are Historical Directories? Historical directories are publications, […]

Strategy: Examining Tax RecordsBy Pat Smart and AI2024.09.11 Examining Tax Records: A Guide for Genealogists Tax records, often overlooked in genealogy, offer valuable insights into the lives of ancestors. These records were consistently maintained, sometimes yearly, and can fill gaps left by missing or incomplete records like censuses or vital documents. This article explores how to use tax records effectively, the types available, and what they reveal about your ancestors. Why Tax Records Matter Tax records are essential for several reasons: Types of Tax Records Understanding the different types of tax records will guide your research and help you know […]

Strategy: Investigating Probate InventoriesBy Pat Smart and AI2024.08.07 Investigating Probate Inventories: Unveiling the Past Probate inventories are valuable historical documents that provide a detailed snapshot of an individual’s possessions at the time of their death. These inventories were typically compiled as part of the legal process of administering an estate, offering a fascinating window into the lives, social status, and material culture of people from various periods in history. This article delves into the significance of probate inventories, the information they reveal, and how researchers can use them to uncover rich historical insights. What Are Probate Inventories? Probate inventories are […]

Over the past year, I have lost both my little brother and my big brother. It was particularly difficult for me not being able to attend their funerals due to personal issues. However, I was able to attend my big brother’s Celebration of Life. My brothers and I weren’t close in the traditional way, if such a thing exists. In our later years, we were physically miles apart. My little brother lived in North Carolina, while my big brother resided in Washington State, and I lived in Arizona. My little brother, Jeff was a truck driver. He drove logging trucks […]

Strategy: Diaries and Personal LettersBy Pat Smart and AI2024.07.10 Uncovering Histories by Exploring Diaries and Personal Letters Genealogy research often begins with traditional documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates. However, to truly understand the daily lives, relationships, and personal experiences of our ancestors, it is important to look beyond these conventional records. Personal diaries, letters, and correspondence offer a unique window into the past, providing intimate details that can bring your family history to life. Finding and understanding these records can be a bit more challenging than it seems on the surface. Here are some strategies for locating […]

Strategy: Naturalization RecordsBy Pat Smart and AI2024.07.03 Genealogy research often involves digging through a variety of historical records to piece together the story of one’s ancestors. While birth, marriage, and death records are commonly utilized, naturalization records are a goldmine of information that is often overlooked. These documents can provide valuable insights into the lives of immigrants and their journey to becoming citizens. Here are some lesser-known strategies for effectively exploring naturalization records in your genealogy research. 1. Understanding the Naturalization Process Before diving into the records, it’s crucial to understand the naturalization process itself. For example, naturalization procedures have […]

Strategy: Legal Notices and AnnouncementsBy Pat Smart and AI2024.06.26 Genealogy research often involves combing through various sources to uncover our ancestors’ stories. While traditional records like birth, marriage, and death certificates are commonly used, there are lesser-known resources that can provide valuable insights into your family history. One such resource is legal notices and announcements. These often-overlooked documents can offer a wealth of information, revealing relationships, property ownership, and significant life events. The following can help you understand and utilize legal notices and announcements in your genealogy research. Understanding Legal Notices and Announcements Legal notices and announcements are public records […]