family tree

  • Is There a Baby Book in the Family?

    Jun 25

    Once a very popular family custom was the filling out and keeping a baby book on each child born into the family. Unfortunately, it was usually the first born for sure that got a completely filled out baby book; the second baby, maybe a partial filled book and children 3 or 4, etc. no baby book at all. No matter who had a baby book, that...

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  • In Person Assistance

    Jun 17

    It can be great fun exploring and trying to find your lineage or create a complete family tree. But it can also be difficult if you are not quite sure you are doing the research in the right direction. You don't want to later find out you were looking up names of people who were not your ancestors. So if you feel you need help, it is av...

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  • Non-Famous Ancestors Still Important

    Jun 7

    Everyone loves to locate a famous ancestor or one who lived an exciting life or did a special adventure. However, many of your ancestors led ordinary lives, worked, had a family, etc. Yet, you may have missed some very interesting events surrounding an ancestor's life in their hometown. An excellent example would have been if either the Union ...

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  • Common Error on a Census

    May 29

    It may not have occurred to you, but you really need to examine each person listed in a household on a US Federal Census. You just might be overlooking a relative. Many census takers placed next to the name of an individual 'boarder' or 'lodger' or 'roomer' when in fact that person was a relative of someone in the household. They might ...

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  • Write About Your Hometown

    May 9

    You all have hometown, growing up as a child memories. These memories play an important role in your family history stories. Even if you moved frequently, chances are that the towns and cities of your past still have a special place in your heart. As you look back, write about your hometown memories. The following are some ideas on how to...

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  • Origins of Sayings

    May 7

    Many sayings or expressions used today had a reason for the saying in its beginning. Our ancestors did just say the phrase, it really meant something. See if any of the following you are familiar with and especially if you recall a relative or ancestor using the phrase. Include it and its origin in the family history. There is 'rub you...

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  • Motivation

    May 3

    Whether you are just starting or having been doing the family history research for years, you might be asked … “What is the reason you are researching your family?” In other words .. your motivation. Of course, everyone does have their own personal reasons but here are a few of the more common reasons. Many people want to know if there is s...

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  • A Newbie to Family History Research

    May 1

    That could be describing you, a 'newbie', a beginner to working on gathering and researching your family lineage and to know about your ancestors. You can always welcome advice on the best approach to this awesome task of your family tree. First, have a plan of organization. You have to keep files on your computer and paper (hard copy) files as ba...

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  • Hair Art

    Apr 21

    Known as 'hair art' it has been a form of art that began in the 16th century or earlier, and flourished in the Victorian era (1800s). It was used by people wanting to keep a memento of a loved one before the invention of photography. Hair art originated in England and France and then made its way to the United States. This form of art can take the ...

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  • Writing Ideas about your Ancestors

    Apr 19

    Trying to write a complete – total family history can be quite a bit. If able to do, go for it, that will be treasured by you, present relatives and future generations. But if doing a full and complete family history is too much now, here are some ideas for some shorter family story ideas. Write about some of the family legends or tales and if y...

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