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.

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vast archive from which the Family History Center draws and the many services it provides, it is not likely to become outdated anytime soon. 

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.

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.

Will the Real Mr. Snider Please Stand Up: Finding Your Ancestor's Misspelled Name

The misspelling and misinterpretation of surnames is a classic problem for genealogists, one that never ceases. No matter how seasoned the researcher, surnames continue to challenge. In her article, "Will the Real Mr. Snider Please Stand Up: Finding Your Ancestor's Misspelled Name," Gena Philibert-Ortega continues her discussion of the surname challenge, suggesting ways to circumvent an all too common problem.

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. 

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.

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.