Category: 52 Ancestors
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My Library Journey: From Nancy Drew To Genealogy Research
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Libraries have been my second home since childhood, shaping my love for reading and lifelong learning. From summer reading programs to complex academic research, they’ve influenced my education and career. Now, I’m thrilled to see my son sharing this same passion for libraries as I look forward to more adventures…
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The Healing Army: My Grandfather’s Service at America’s Largest WWII Hospital
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When I think about institutions that shaped my family’s history, one stands out prominently: Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan. This wasn’t just any medical facility—it was where my maternal grandfather, George Dubinsky, served during the final months of World War II, and where thousands of wounded American soldiers…
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Genetic Breadcrumbs: Following DNA to Find the Mysterious Mr. Max
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Introduction Remember that story I shared about the mysterious Mr. Max? If you missed it, I introduced you to one of my family’s most enduring mysteries—the identity of Clifford Max’s father, born in Edwardsville, Illinois in 1929. According to family lore, Clifford’s father had died before his son was born.…
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From Family Tales to Documented History: The Genealogist’s Journey
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Family stories are the heartbeat of genealogy. They spark our curiosity, connect us to our past, and often set us on the path of discovery. As I reflect on the first fifteen weeks of my #52Ancestors project, I’m struck by how often my research has centered around testing family stories…
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The Case of the Two Thomas Dowlings: A Genealogical Mix-Up
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#52Ancestors – Week 15 – Big Mistake Oh, the mistakes we make when we’re just starting out! When I first began my genealogical journey, I was bright-eyed and eager—perhaps a bit too eager. I’d found census records for my paternal great grandfather, Thomas Dowling born in Brooklyn in 1871, and…
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The #52Ancestors Challenge: Bringing Your Family History to Life
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Hello fellow family history enthusiasts! I wanted to take a moment to chat about something that’s absolutely transformed my genealogy journey – the #52Ancestors in 52 Weeks challenge created by genealogist Amy Johnson Crow. Think of it as your personal invitation to dust off those family stories hiding in your…
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Language – Decoding My Swedish Ancestry
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For Week 14 of #52Ancestors There’s something uniquely challenging and rewarding about researching ancestors who spoke a language different from your own. As someone who has spent countless hours poring over Swedish church records, I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with the beautiful, flowing handwriting of 19th-century Swedish parish priests—and the…
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If These Walls Could Talk: Our Family’s Brooklyn Haven Since 1905
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For Week 13 of #52Ancestors – Theme: Home Sweet Home When we talk about “home,” what really makes a house a home? Is it the physical structure, the people inside it, or the memories created there? For my family, one special house in Brooklyn has been all of these things…
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Historical Events: My Grandfather’s American Journey
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Week 12 of #52Ancestors Challenge: Historical Events When we think of “historical events,” our minds often jump to world wars, presidential elections, or groundbreaking scientific discoveries. But history is also created through the personal journeys of ordinary people making extraordinary choices—choices that ripple through generations. For me, one such pivotal…
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Chasing my Swedish Roots – Part II – Breaking Through the Brick Wall
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Hello again, fellow ancestry detectives! Remember back in February when I shared my quest to uncover my Swedish roots? Well, grab a cup of coffee (or perhaps some Swedish glögg if you’re feeling festive) because I’ve got some exciting updates to share! Welcome to Week 11 of #52Ancestors! As you…