The National Archives can be one of the best places to turn to when you are trying to take family history research beyond names, dates, and family stories. It holds federal records, which can place...
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Memorial Day: Stories Behind the Sacrifice
Memorial Day is a significant day in American history, holding a special place in the hearts of many. Understanding its origins, traditions, and evolution can deepen our appreciation for this day of...
Immigration and Naturalization Records
Tracing an immigrant ancestor requires more than simply finding a ship manifest or a naturalization certificate. People crossing borders often changed or anglicized their names, traveled...
Breaking Brick Walls in Genealogy Research
At some point in every family history, progress slows down. You follow the records, build timelines, confirm relationships, and then you reach a place where nothing new appears. The trail fades. The...
Vital Records for Genealogy Research
As your family history begins to take shape, there comes a point where you need more than timelines and patterns. Census records help you follow families across time, but they do not always prove...
Land, Probate, and Military Records in Genealogy
By the time you reach this stage in your research, your family tree should have a solid structure. You have used census records to follow families across time. You have used vital records to confirm...
Starting Your Family History the Right Way
Every family history begins close to home. Before you search old courthouse books, census pages, ship lists, military files, or newspaper archives, you begin with the people you already know. You...
Darth Vader’s Guide to Genealogy
You can trace your family history by starting genealogy today. Darth Vader knows how to do it.
10 “Must-Do” Genealogy Projects for May
Are you looking for genealogy projects to keep your research moving in May? Here are ten suggestions for your research you will love.
Census Records: The Backbone of American Genealogy
If you had to choose one record set to build a family history, the United States census would be it. No other source tracks families so consistently over time. Taken every ten years, the census...