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Genealogy Tip – Assume Nothing

Many of us know that it is often wise not to make assumptions. This is especially true when you are researching your family history. Making assumptions can lead to inaccuracies in your research and could even lead you down the wrong path to people who are not actually your ancestors. There are a few key areas in which avoiding assumptions is absolutely essential to the integrity of your research. The first is relationships. If you use Census records to figure out who is related to whom within a household, you may want to double check the answers that you get … Continue reading →

Caring for Family Heirlooms

Some family heirlooms that are passed down through the generations are meant to be put on a shelf and looked at. Others are pieces that get used only on special occasions, like fine china or silverware. There are other heirlooms, though, that see more frequent use. Things like tables, chairs, cupboards, and cradles are meant to be used and, if cared for properly, can last for many more years. In order to keep these prized family possessions in good condition, it is important that you regularly inspect them for signs of wear and tear. Things like loose rungs on a … Continue reading →

One Record May Contain More Than You Think

When you are doing your genealogy research, you want to make sure that you get the most information that you possibly can out of each different resource that you search. Sometimes it is hard to know exactly what information you can get from any given resource. Also, you may not be aware that certain records even exist for your ancestors. For example, you would think to look for military records for your grandfather because you have heard stories of his heroic deeds during World War II. However, you may not have thought to check for draft registration cards for his … Continue reading →

Research Resource – Wills and Probate Records

When you are doing genealogy research, there are so many different types of records that you can use. Some, like vital records, will provide the nuts and bolts that can help you document your family’s history on a pedigree chart. Others provide the details that fill in the story of who your ancestors were and how they lived. Some records, like wills and probate records, can provide genealogists with a bit of both kinds of information. Probate records can tell you about the date and location of the death of an ancestor as well as what the relationships were between … Continue reading →

Sinkhole Causes Problems for Historic Cemetery

A historic graveyard in Pennsylvania is being threatened by a large sinkhole. There is the possibility that the graves will need to be exhumed. If so, then this could make it difficult for genealogists to record the information on the graves, and to connect it to where they have been relocated. In Allentown, Pennsylvania, a large sinkhole has formed. It is around 50 feet long, and 30 feet wide, and it appears to be growing. As you may expect, the sinkhole is causing the town lots of problems. A dozen homes have been vacated, and 25 people have been evacuated. … Continue reading →