GenWeekly welcomes two new writers . . .
We would like to welcome two new writers to our GenWeekly staff: Cindy Drage and Rita Marshall. We look forward to their contributions. Appearing this week, in our last issue for the month of June, Cindy Drage, in her first GenWeekly article, " Don't Overlook Historical Societies,"examines the valuable support historical society volunteers can provide, especially in locating those unique sources that may not be available online, or anywhere else for that matter.
Rita Marshall's first article exploring DNA research will appear next week, in our first article for the month of July. Again, to our new writers, Welcome Aboard. Labels: brick wall, historical societies
The Wonders of the Family History Center
Almost anyone who has done genealogy for awhile has either heard about or utilized one of the many Family History Centers to be found around the world. In her article, " The Wonders of the Family History Center," Judy Rosella Edwards explores the role of the local Family History Center today, when so much information is available online so easily accessed in the comfort of one's own home. Considering the vast archive from which the Family History Center draws and the many services it provides, it is not likely to become outdated anytime soon. Labels: Family History Centers, Family History Library, genealogy
Genealogical Summer Reading 2009
In the mood for a summer read? In her article, "Genealogical Summer Reading 2009," Gena Philibert-Ortega brings into focus a variety of genealogy-related works covering a range of topics from the murder mystery to an exploration of the LDS penchant for genealogy. Surely, something for everyone. Labels: genealogy books
Exploring German Ancestries
For those just beginning to explore their ancestral roots in another county, Alan Smith's recent article, " Exploring German Ancestries," takes a look at some of the first steps. The more general principles discussed would apply to research in any foreign country, beginning with an exploration of the political, geographical, and cultural history. Determining who was in power at any given time and how areas were divided and records maintained is the key to successful research abroad and at home. Labels: general research, german genealogy, Germany
Will the Real Mr. Snider Please Stand Up:
Finding Your Ancestor's Misspelled Name
The Role of Genealogy in History
Although the popularity of genealogy has grown exponentially in the past decade, it has been an important in the lives of many cultures since ancient times. In her article, " The Role of Genealogy in History," Melissa Slate touches on several such practices. Labels: genealogy, historical context
While surname searches are important to genealogy, they are not the sole solution. In her article, " Getting Past Your Ancestor's Surname: The Need for a Comprehensive Research Plan," Gena Philibert-Ortega suggests a research strategy and offers multiple sources for moving beyond the surname. In may be that the one source you need is not indexed by surname, but by some other organizational category. As noted in the article, a well thought out plan will help a good researcher cover all the bases. Labels: research strategies, surnames
Lexicons of Lost Lifestyles: Words of War, Part 2
Regardless of their time or culture, our pioneer ancestors are near and dear to the heart of a family history researcher. But have you ever considered the origin of the word "pioneer"? Who would imagine it originated in war time? In her article, " Lexicons of Lost Lifestyles: Words of War, Part 2 ," Jean Hibbens explores some of the earliest wars in recorded history and how that language is used today. In particular, she explores how many of the meanings have been altered, in at least one case, reflecting pretty much the exact opposite of its original intent. Labels: language and terminology, military
Facebook for Genealogists
Most family history researchers are familiar with the more popular social networking sites dedicated to genealogy, sites aimed at connecting families and providing a platform for sharing information. Another branch of social networking are the sites previously thought to be the domain of the young, used by teens and college kids to connect with friends, Facebook being the most popular today. However, the demographics on Facebook have expanded to include pretty much everyone, regardless of age. Facebook is the place to find people and to be found by others. Its popularity has made Facebook a real powerhouse in connecting people. In her article, " Facebook for Genealogists," Gena Philibert-Ortega, explores how Facebook can be used to enhance or advance your genealogy, lending encouragement, perhaps, to those who have yet to dip a toe in Facebook waters. Labels: genealogy, social networking
When a Picture Is Not Worth a Thousand Words
What's that you say? A picture is not worth a thousand words? Another myth, busted! In her article, " When a Picture Is Not Worth a Thousand Words," Judy Rosella Edwards explores the ways in which pictures can deceive and why they considered secondary, rather than primary sources. The problem today is even worse. Technology has allowed us to warp reality in photos to such a degree that our children's children will never really know for sure what's real and what's not, without expert analysis to see if an image has been "photoshoped." So words of caution are well taken. Labels: documenting sources, photographs
Dissertations and Theses as Genealogical Sources
As she continues to explore the genealogical value of various types of manuscript collections, Gena Philibert-Ortega, explores " Dissertations and Theses as Genealogical Sources." As noted in the article, while these works may not be specific to genealogy, "there are many in the realms of history, anthropology, social work and other disciplines that would be of interest to the family historian. In some cases, personal and oral histories might be a part of the research paper that may even shed some light on your own family." In addition to suggesting how dissertations and theses might be used, the author also suggest ways of identifying and locating such materials. Labels: manuscript and special collections, non-traditional sources
Lexicons of Lost Lifestyles: Words of War, Part 1
As one might expect, a lot of word relating to war fare have to do with courage in the face of battle. In her article, " Lexicons of Lost Lifestyles, Words of War," Jean Hibben show words of war derive from ancient times, forward. Language is interesting in the way usage can alter meaning, and connotation can trump denotation, turning a word that is, if not positive, at least neutral, into something downright pejorative, as shown in the origin of the word "coward" and other "words of war." Labels: language and terminology, military
Free Online Classes Through OpenCourseWare
There is no limit, it seems, to the information available on the Internet for the resourceful and curious researcher. In her latest article, " Free Online Classes Through OpenCourseWare," Gena Philibert-Ortega explores yet another useful -- and free -- resource. Universities around the world offer a wide range of non-credit classes in many disciplines, on topics that may inform your genealogical research. Labels: genealogy education, online resources
New FamilySearch: A Database to Capture Your Imagination
Genealogy Writing Markets
Alan Smith, in his article, " Genealogy Writing Markets," offers insights and some direction for those experienced in genealogy and with a bent for writing. As the article points out, there is a high degree of interest in genealogy topics, genealogy writing offers rewards, other than financial. Labels: genealogy publications, genealogy writing
Finding Digitized Books Online
"Millions of digitized books and periodicals exist on the internet that can assist you in your research. The secret is knowing where to find them. Just ‘googling' a book's title may not help you, but knowing what websites feature digitized books can." In her latest article, " Finding Digitized Books Online," Gene Philibert Ortega directs us to some new and interesting sources for finding books online. Labels: genealogy resources, online resources
|
|
|
|
