where2look4ancestors

Category: Genealogy Tips

  • Why I Hired a Professional Genealogy Researcher

    I’ve gotten pretty good deciding where to invest my genealogy dollars. Ancestry.com World Explorer provides resources I need when researching many of my ancestors and their FANS. ArkivDigital is my go-to site for Swedish records. My Hamilton County Genealogical Society membership keeps me connected to my Cincinnati ancestors as the Batavia…

  • Why You Need a Genealogy Success Team

    Nearly four years ago I asked the universe for a virtual Success Team. The universe responded with something a little different than what I had in mind. Something much better than I could have imagined. Instead of the four-person team I envisioned, it’s just Jenny and me. And that is…

  • 10 Traits Every Genealogist Must Have

    Wondering how to make the most of your family history research this year? As with all genealogical research, you must begin with yourself. You’ll need: A sense of humor Misspelled names, poor indexing, out of print reference books. What’s a family history researcher to do? Laugh and the world laughs…

  • Fun with Genealogy Files Part 3

    I’ll bet you’ve been wondering how my genealogy filing project is coming along. 🙂 You may remember that in Fun with Genealogy Files Part 2, I shared my desire to create virtual place holders for each of my direct line ancestors that matched my paper file place holders. I also…

  • Batavia News Travels to Chicago

    I found it interesting that news from Batavia (roughly 30 miles west of Chicago) was reported in the Chicago Daily News via Elgin Illinois. It’s a reminder to thoroughly search ALL the newspapers in a wider geographic area when I’m on the trail of an elusive ancestor.  

  • 6 Easy Steps to Find Cousins on Ancestry

    This is the time of year that makes us think about our family members. I’m not just talking about the live ones, although living relatives can be helpful. Family history researchers know there is no better time than now to connect to the dead through the living. Whether you’re enjoying your last few…

  • Fun with Genealogy Files Part 2

    I recently told you I had taken the first step in an enormous and overwhelming home office reorganization project. My goal is to have all my genealogy files organized before the end of 2015. As I mentioned in Fun with Genealogy Files Part 1, space is of the essence. Smaller spaces work best when…

  • 9 Tips for Genealogy Success in the New Year

    Are you ready to reap greater rewards from your genealogy research? Oh my gosh, me too! With the New Year right around the corner, I’ve been thinking a lot about my family history research goals for 2015. I need to answer pressing questions, overcome brick walls, make new discoveries and connect…

  • Why Every Genealogist Needs a Cemetery Kit

    The grave is supposed to be in here… But where? Maybe there? Feeling around for the edges… Marking out the shape… Clearing away the debris… Trimming the grass… Sweeping off the surface… Brushing out the engraving… Claiming a place in the row… Gone but not forgotten. Sometimes…if you are still…

  • 15 Cemetery Kit Must Haves

    My husband and I shared the cemetery kit I mentioned here. It worked well if we were graving together or close to the car, but that isn’t always the case. When we are searching for a grave, we generally divide and conquer. “I’ll walk the rows on the left if you…