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Two States Restrict Police Use of DNA Search Method
Jun 15
Maryland and Montana are the first states to restrict law enforcement's use of genetic genealogy. The New York Times reported in May of 2021. Genetic genealogy is the technique that identified the Golden State Killer in 2018. The laws in Maryland and Montana are an effort to ensure the genetic privacy of an accused person. Montana's House B...
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Advertisements to Marry Out West
Jun 13
In the western frontier regions in the mid to late 1800s of the Dakotas, Kansas, Wyoming, Utah, and California to name a few, it was difficult to meet a future female spouse. Ladies, few in number, were already married or not the marrying type. Men were plentiful out west, those seeking a new life and their fortune. One California newspaper claime...
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The Silver Spoons
Jun 11
The use of spoons for cooking and eating with has for centuries involved wooden spoons. Some even used spoons made of horn, bone or ceramic. Metal was reserved for horseshoes, wagon parts, keys and locks; not spoons. By the 1600s metal spoons started to be used more and the most important ones were made of silver. If someone was wealthy enough to ...
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23andMe Added Two New Medication Insight Reports
Jun 10
23andMe announced that they have two new Medication Insight Reports that are available to 23andMe+ members. The 23andMe+ Membership offers everything in the Ancestry + Traits Service and the Health + Ancestry Service. It also provides exclusive reports throughout the year. 23andMe released two new Medication Insight Reports as part of their...
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Hitchcock Chair
Jun 9
A classical American-styled chair once in nearly every household was the 'Hitchcock Chair'. It was developed by Lambert Hitchcock in Connecticut in 1819 in his chair factory. This early 1800s time period is known as the 'Federal Era' style furniture. Lambert Hitchcock came up with the method of making the parts of a chair and later developed kits ...
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AncestryDNA Updated Four Communities
Jun 8
Ancestry is continuously developing ways for you to learn about yourself through DNA and empowering you to unlock more discoveries about your family history. One way Ancestry applies advanced technology and evolving DNA science is by updating communities, which can connect people through their DNA to the places their ancestors likely lived and...
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Salted vs Unsalted Butter
Jun 7
Your ancestors always had 'salted butter' even if they made their own butter at home. The reason is that salt is the best preservative. If the weather was good and the family could get fresh dairy from livestock to make butter, then they would have unsalted butter. Having the unsalted, fresh butter was desired but not always available. Having the ...
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What Were Tin Can Camps?
Jun 5
With World War One and the Spanish Flu over, the 1920s were a time our ancestors let loose and wanted to get out and travel across America. Many wanted to spend a couple of weeks or so in warm Florida during the winter. Of course, this was possible because the new autos were improving and affordable. The roads still needed work and there were no s...
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1970s’ Pet Rock
Jun 3
A novel and very different toy and collector's item from 1975 was the 'Pet Rock'. This big fad was actually a stone from a Mexican beach town (Rosarita Beach), with hundreds of them purchased in bulk for a penny. The man behind the idea was Gary Dahl, who then sold these rocks for $3.95 each. His special idea was to use a special cardboard box wit...
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Texas Cemetery Receives Historic Designation
Jun 2
Sweet Rest Cemetery is located in Tamina, Texas. In May of 2021, the cemetery was officially designated as a historic place by the State of Texas. Tamina’s history can be traced back to R.B. Smith, an educator from the city of Montgomery, John Nailor, a Houston-area businessman. In 1871, freed slaves moved to Tamina to help build the rail...
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The Peacock Chair
Jun 1
You have all seen a peacock chair – that large rounded-back wicker chair. Especially look at old family photos, you may well see one that an ancestor is sitting in. Wicker furniture became popular in homes in the late 1800s. They were used also on porches and verandas so people sit and enjoy any breeze on hot days. People found it great insid...
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Memorial Day – Coins on a Headstone
May 31
With Memorial Day on May 31st, many people pay their respects to the fallen soldiers by going to the local cemeteries. Also visiting a cemetery that your ancestors are buried at is done. For military personnel, some people place a small US flag by the headstone or flowers. However, here is a tradition you might also see, especially for military...
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Ancestors’ Social Life and School in the 1950s
May 29
With the end or near the end of the school year in 2021, it can be interesting to look at what life at school was like for any of your relatives or ancestors who attended classes in the 1950s. One thing was apparent, that fashion and dressing the accepted teenager way was very important to the older students. Boys loved the white buck shoes and...
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Modern Technology
May 27
What we think as modern conveniences and gadgets in the 21st century were not even thought of during the 20th century. Yet, our ancestors thought they were using the most modern technology and gadgets available. Let us look at what your ancestors during most of the 20th century thought was modern. Housewives were thrilled to have a small box...
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George Washington & Mount Vernon
May 25
As one does their own family tree, it can be interesting to explore about famous individuals and their lives. It helps to better understand certain historical periods in history that those famous people lived as well as your own family members. A great person to start with is President George Washington. Born Feb. 22, 1732 in the Colony of Virg...
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The study of birth, marriage and death records to discover family relatives. more »
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