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...
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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...
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...
Tracing Ancestry Through South African Church and Civil Records
Church and civil records are foundational resources for tracing ancestry in South Africa. Before formal civil registration was introduced, church records were the primary means of documenting life...
Introduction to South African Genealogy
South Africa has an extraordinary history and a complex blend of cultures, rewarding and challenging genealogical research here. Whether your ancestors were part of the indigenous communities...
Civil War Dog Tags: A Soldier’s Final Act of Identity
The American Civil War saw immense loss, with over 620,000 soldiers dying from battle, disease, or imprisonment. Amid this devastation, one truth became clear: many soldiers were dying without...