A census gives me a place to start. Tax records may help me follow the years in between, track a piece of land, and decide which deed or probate file to open next.
Latest Articles
This Week’s Free Genealogy Lookups
Browse this week’s featured genealogy databases, read their descriptions, and submit a free lookup request for your ancestor.
Could My Ancestors Vote? What Voter Records Can Reveal
Could the people in my family tree vote? I’m looking at voter records, the history behind missing names, and the small details that can bring an ancestor closer.
Unwanted by D.W. Anderson (Free Book Giveaway)
I enjoyed the suspense and family mystery in Unwanted by my friend Dan Anderson. Here’s a little about his novel and your chance to win my signed copy.
American Folklore (Free eBook)
Discover state legends, mysterious places, and unusual stories in American Folklore, a free PDF eBook covering all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
American Innovation Coins and the Stories of Work
Four American Innovation coins have me thinking about the people behind a ship design, an assembly line, a shuttle launch, and a spacewalk.
Mary Kawena Pukui: Preserving a People’s Stories
I didn't realize Mary Kawena Pukui was already in my coin collection. Turning over a dollar introduced me to a remarkable life of preserving Hawaiian knowledge.
The Women Behind the 2025 Quarters
My dad collected coins for most of his life. As I begin my own collection, the five women on the 2025 quarters are giving me new stories to explore.
The U.S. State Capitals (Free eBook)
Explore the history of all 50 U.S. state capitals in this free 176-page eBook, with clickable contents, an index, and links to articles and podcasts.
The Person Named Beside Your Ancestor
Who was the person named beside your ancestor? Follow an unfamiliar witness, informant, or neighbor through records to learn more about your family.There has to be something else