​Libraries have been doing a juggling act with this pandemic.  Some are open, others closed and still others are balancing being open with restrictions while providing additional online resources.  People who use library versions of popular genealogy databases may have felt the lack of access.  Some libraries are making their library edition of genealogy databases available for at home use during the pandemic.  Let’s look.

Wishing you all time with family and friends this Easter.  it's a great time to reflect and enjoy these moments with those we love.  Happy Easter!

​Continuing the theme of United States Genealogy resources, I thought we should explore resources closer to home.    More records become available each year so it’s good to revisit what is available. Let’s look at records in North Dakota

​We’ve been spending quite a bit of time exploring records across the pond so I thought it might be fun to look at records closer to home.  Many of our ancestors traveled west to settle in our Red River Valley area.  Some of them were immigrants from the old country while others were second and third generation Americans who came from other states east of the Mississippi.  Let’s look at sites that focus on Indiana Genealogy today.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  Hope you’re able to celebrate the day in a fun and safe way!  This time of the year makes me think of my Irish ancestors and how I wouldn’t be here but for their courage.  Here’s a review of Irish Resources to get you started.  Let’s explore.
 
I’ve covered a variety of Irish topics in previous blogs.  Hopefully, these will entice you to explore your Irish and Celtic roots.  
 
Griffiths Valuation  (October 2020)
Irish Resources  (March 2020)
Irish Blogs  (August 2020)
Irish Links  (March 2019)
In Ireland  (September 2018)
Irish Luck  (March 2018)
 
“For each petal on the shamrock, this brings a wish your way:  Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day.” –Irish Blessing

​A couple of years ago I published a blog article titled “Find Once, Read Twice”.  You can view it under April 2018 in the archives.  We explored the importance of reviewing data that we collected over the years.  You have a different perspective when you read a book as an adult that when you first read the same book as a child.  Perhaps that is why some childhood books are never reread, to preserve the magic and others are read repeatedly.  Our research data can be like that—a fresh look may help us see new things or information in a different way.  Let’s look.

​As part of my effort to digitize and protect family documents, I have been exploring better ways to store those originals.  As you write your ancestors’ stories, the family photos you share bring their stories to life.  Let’s look at ways to protect your family photos.

With so many things cancelled this past year, I am looking forward to attending…albeit virtually…the 2021 RootsTech.  RootsTech has gone global with this year’s online event.  My understanding is that you can watch 24 x7, the better to accommodate all the global time zones.  They have key speakers from the main stage and genealogical sessions to help us all learn and grow our family trees.  You can view the main stage information here and read about all the courses available in this PDF.
All of this is free.  If you haven’t yet, you can register using your FamilySearch login or complete your registration information at their site.  RootsTech is February 25-27.  Enjoy this learning opportunity!

​Sometimes genealogy is a bit like medicine—part science and part art.  Thinking beyond the usual solutions is how we often break through brick walls.  I have recently discovered information on tools for capturing memory that are meant more for patients with dementia or memory loss, but exploration of their offerings would suggest that they might prove useful for capturing family memories too.  Let’s look.

​This week we will continue to look at Polish research records.  Have you taken time to understand your ancestor’s name and spellings?  Did you dip your toe into the history of Poland, ensuring that you have identified the correct person and village/town to research?  This week we will look at vital records and census records.