Valentine’s Day History Facts & My Sweet Genealogy Karma

Introduction: In this article, Scott Phillips turns to old newspapers to research the history of St. Valentine’s Day—and shares a personal Valentine’s Day story. Scott is a genealogical historian and owner of Onward To Our Past® genealogy services. Nothing much beats holidays as a way to get everyone talking about family, memories, stories, and... (Read More)

Dating Old Family Photographs with Civil War Revenue Stamps

Introduction: In this article, Mary Harrell-Sesniak shows how to determine the date of undated, Civil War-era family photographs using revenue stamps affixed to the back of the picture. Mary is a genealogist, author and editor with a strong technology background. Do you have Civil War-era photographs of your ancestors that are undated? As this... (Read More)

Episcopal Church (ECUSA) to build new Archives

The Episcopal Church (ECUSA) has purchased site for their national historical archives in downtown Austin, Texas. The Episcopal Church has bought a block in downtown Austin where it plans to build a facility to house its national archives and provide space for meetings, exhibits, research and other purposes.   The church purchased the block,... (Read More)

Genealogist Obituaries

Bock, Terri Ann (Van Sickler) (1956-2009). Kalamazoo Gazette (MI): May 3, 2009 Gooch, Jane Bradford (1912-2009). New York Times: 3 May 2009 McCullough, Frederick Charles (1914-2009). Oak Ridger (TN): April 29, 2009 Price, Oberia Garrett Estrada (1926-2009). Alexandria Daily Town Talk (LA): 27 Apr 2009.. (Read More)

Newspapers are terrific!

Newspapers are terrific! They give us the real details of our ancestor’s lives. This week I found an article about the estate sale for my first cousin, Thomas Huse (1742/43-1816). It was published in the Newburyport (MA) Herald, 16 July 1816. Everything was being sold – his household effects; a covered sleigh; ox cart,... (Read More)