The Salem Witch Trials are among the most infamous episodes of mass hysteria in early American history. In 1692, a wave of fear swept through the small, isolated community in Salem, Massachusetts...
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Site of Salem Witch Trial Hangings Discovered: Why It’s Important to Genealogists
The location of the 1692 Salem witch trial hangings has been located by researchers. Here's why this discovery is significant to genealogists.
The Ouija Board: Spirit Communication or Superstition?
The Ouija board has become a cultural touchstone, a mysterious object imbued with the power to fascinate, thrill, and terrify. Its letters, numbers, and simple planchette have allowed generations to...
The Connecticut Witch Trials: Witch Hysteria in America Long Before Salem
Did you know that colonial America had more than one incident of witchcraft hysteria? While the Salem witch trials are the most famous incident, they are not the only one, or even the first. Here is...
Witches in the Family? Resources for Researching the Families of the Salem Witch Trials
Do you have a connection to the Salem witch trials of 1692? How do you know? Here are some resources for finding out, and for tracing your Salem witch ancestry.
Women in South African Genealogy
In the world of genealogy, it can sometimes feel like the women in your family tree slip into the shadows, often overshadowed by male ancestors whose surnames are passed down through generations. But...
Genealogical Challenges in South Africa
Genealogical research in South Africa can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether you’re trying to track down a birth certificate, find an ancestor in the 1800s, or...
Researching South African Immigration and Emigration Patterns
South Africa’s history is a fascinating migration, with people arriving from all over the world and others leaving to build new lives in different lands. Understanding the patterns of immigration and...
6 “Must-Do” Genealogy Projects for October
Are you looking for some excellent genealogy projects to keep you busy and building your family tree in October? Here are six of them you definitely must do.
Understanding South African Surnames: A Guide to Cultural and Ethnic Origins
What’s in a name? Well, in South Africa, quite a lot! Surnames carry the stories of ancestors, cultures, and the complex history that shaped this incredible country. Whether your last name is Van der...