If you’re a genealogist, history enthusiast, or map lover, The Family Tree Historical Maps Book is more than just an atlas—it’s a fascinating journey through time. This book examines how the United...
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The Places Your Ancestors Lived and Loved
Exploring the homes where our ancestors lived can be a fascinating journey through time. These houses are more than just structures; they are the backdrops of countless family stories, traditions...
Where Did Your Ancestor Live? How to Interpret Plat Maps
Have you ever wondered where your ancestor lived? You can often use old plat maps to discover the location of their homestead. Here's how to read the maps.
A Closer Look at Reading Maps #4
The rectangular survey method and the numbered lots method are two other ways to learn where to find your ancestor’s property on a map using an old land ownership document. The rectangular method was...
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Mastering the 1880 Census for Family Historians
The 1880 census is one of my favorite records—not just because of what it tells us, but because of what it helps us feel. This is the first census where we can see families take shape on paper. For...
This Week’s Free Genealogy Lookups
Unlock family history with This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups. Perfect for first-time users and seasoned researchers.
Inside the 1880 Census
When people talk about the U.S. Census, most think of it as just a headcount. But by 1880, the census had become something far more powerful. It wasn’t just about population totals or determining how...
South Seas Plantation on Captiva Island: Postcards from the Past
I really love looking at and collecting postcards—especially vintage postcards. Here at Ancestral Findings, I’ve collected thousands and thousands of them over the years. People have sent me...
Tracing Formerly Enslaved Ancestors: A Companion to the 1870 Census
The 1870 U.S. Census is a milestone for many family historians. For those tracing African American ancestry, it often marks the very first time their ancestors appear in a public federal record by...
Inside the 1870 Census
The 1870 U.S. Census may be one of the most significant records ever created in the country’s history. For the first time, every person—Black, white, free-born, formerly enslaved, immigrant...