A Good Woman Can be Hard to Find…

It can be very difficult to find women in the early 19th Century – finding sources that actually give their names and genealogical details. It was common in the 19th century for genealogical sources to be brief and give only the basic information about a household in the census – or an entry in... (Read More)

Swan’s Island Library burns to the ground

Today’s Bangor (Maine) Daily News has the stunning news that the Swan’s Island Library in Maine has burned to the ground. (Photo: Donna Wiegle – Bangor Daily News 25 July 2008) The library was hit by lighting, caught fire and burned. Click here to read the complete story. The library held over 10,000 books... (Read More)

Tracking down Family Bibles ….

Family Bibles have been treasured by families for generations, but finding them today can be difficult.   It was common for families to have a family Bible – a large bound book that was prominently displayed in the family parlor – “…a large octavo volume, with a more or less ornate binding, with blank... (Read More)

Jacquelyn Ladd Ricker – 1935-2008

Long time office manager of the Connecticut Society of Genealogists has passed away. A prolific genealogist and writer – she was a long time presence in Connecticut genealogical circles. She is best known for her republication of the Barbour Index to Connecticut Vital Records which was issued as a CD-ROM under the title: The... (Read More)

B-Ann Moorhouse (1925-2008)

Joy Rich, Editor, Dorot: The Journal of the Jewish Genealogical Society (New York), contacted me with the sad news that B-Ann Moorhouse has passed away. She was a terrific genealogist. When I began researching in the 1960s I got to know her and always appreciated her kindness and assistance. With permission I am reposting... (Read More)