Category: Researching
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Advanced City Directory Research: Professional Genealogy Methods
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City directories are one of the most powerful yet overlooked genealogical tools. Unlike census records, they provide yearly snapshots that capture where ancestors lived, how they worked, and how their lives changed over time. In this article, I explore advanced strategies for using directories effectively—from browsing images instead of relying…
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Forged by Mystery: How Childhood Playtime Shaped My Genealogy Obsession
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I blame Nancy Drew. And Encyclopedia Brown. And every cryptic puzzle in Martin Gardner’s Codes, Ciphers and Secret Writing. Growing up in the mid-1970s, I devoured mystery books like other kids consumed Saturday morning cartoons. When I finally graduated to adult mysteries, Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot taught me that the…
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How Fathers Across Generations Shaped My DNA and Destiny
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The exploration of family ancestry highlights the impact of father figures across generations. The author reflects on paternal lineage, focusing on Swedish roots and their accessibility. Key figures include David Sten, a courageous immigrant builder, and George Dubinsky, a devoted WWII soldier. Both passed down enduring lessons of strength, commitment,…
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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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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…