The city of Springfield, Illinois is the capital city of that state. It was not the first capital, but the third. Yet, it came to be the most important city in the state, besides Chicago. Here is the...
Latest Articles
How to Find Distant Relatives
If you are at a genealogical brick wall, consider looking for distant relatives to help you break through it. Who are distant relatives, and what information might they have to benefit your research...
Idaho: State Capitals #12
Boise is the capital of Idaho. While its Native American population has lived there for thousands of years, its origins and history are murky. French fur trappers were there early on in European...
Why are Family Bibles Such Genealogical Treasures?
Family Bibles are some of the most unique and valuable genealogical resources available. If your immediate family doesn’t have one, you might not understand just how important they can be to your...
Andre Cailloux: Unsung Heroes of the Civil War
Andre Cailloux led Union soldiers at Port Hudson in 1863. Read about his life in New Orleans, military service, and legacy, or listen to the podcast.
The Origin and Meaning of Finnish Surnames
Learn how Finnish surnames developed in Eastern and Western Finland, what -nen and -la can tell you, and how to research Finnish family names.
Getting Your Older Relatives to Open Up about Family History
Interviewing older family members is a basic part of beginning genealogy research. If you have access to these relatives, interviewing them for their unique take on the past and the ancestors who...
Robert Smalls: Unsung Heroes of the Civil War
Robert Smalls steered the Planter to freedom and later served in Congress. Explore his Civil War story and listen to the Ancestral Findings podcast.
Finding the True Identities of Your Female Ancestors
Are your female ancestors a mystery? It’s not uncommon. While you may know the first name of a female ancestor, finding their maiden name and birth family can sometimes be a challenge. Here are some...
John Parke: Unsung Heroes of the Civil War
John Parke served as an engineer and Union general during the Civil War. Explore his military career, later life, and story in the podcast.